Kajiado: Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku has issued a stern warning to allotment plot owners in the county, stating that they risk losing their land due to unpaid land rates. He emphasized during the opening of the fourth session of the Kajiado county assembly that defaulters would have their land repossessed and reallocated to other residents willing to comply with land rate payments.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Lenku directed the department of lands and finance to immediately commence the process of repossessing and reallocating parcels with unpaid land rates. He noted that land is a significant resource in Kajiado county, which should contribute substantially to the county’s revenue. However, the 2023/2024 financial year saw land rates yield only 74 million shillings, well below the county’s potential. The governor projected to double this amount in the current financial year, targeting at least 200 million shillings from land rates.
The governor highlighted ongoing litigation as a factor contributing to the underperformance in revenue collection, particularly concerning freehold titled land. He clarified that conservatory orders issued in December 2024 apply only to freehold properties. Properties with allotment letters and leasehold title deeds, both commercial and residential, remain subject to enforceable charges.
Governor Lenku urged county assembly members, especially those from urban and peri-urban areas, to refrain from inciting public resistance against land rate payments. He stressed the importance of recognizing which properties are affected by court orders and warned against protests when the repossession and reallocation process for defaulters begins.
Moreover, the governor disclosed that the county has resolved 328 out of 400 land-related cases through the alternative justice system model. Following the governor’s address, John Loisa, Majority Leader in the Kajiado county assembly, urged defaulters to comply with land rate payments, while Stephen Ngatho, the Majority Chief Whip, argued against imposing land rates on small-scale landowners with freehold titles.
Joseph Toris, Member of County Assembly for Ewuaso Oo Nkidong’i ward, suggested conducting sensitization forums before proceeding with the repossession and reallocation of land parcels. The issue of land rates on freehold properties was brought to court by Kajiado residents in a petition filed on August 19, 2024. The High Court’s ruling on December 4, 2024, barred the county from collecting these rates, with the case set for a hearing on February 26, 2024.