Sakaja sets sight on Sh10 Billion from land lates defaulters

By Daisy Okiring

Nairobi, May 11, 2025 – Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has launched a bold initiative aimed at recovering Sh10 billion owed to the county in unpaid land rates.

The move comes as part of a broader revenue collection strategy to boost Nairobi’s financial health.

In an interview held at his City Hall office on April 26, 2024, Sakaja emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing backlog of property owners who have defaulted on payments. According to county records, these unpaid dues have significantly strained service delivery and development efforts in the capital.

“This is not a witch-hunt; it’s about fairness and accountability,” Sakaja said, noting that the city cannot sustain essential services while billions remain uncollected. The governor also hinted at stricter enforcement measures, including legal action and property listings, if landowners fail to comply.

The campaign aligns with his administration’s push to streamline county operations and increase financial independence. Officials say the recovered funds will be directed toward infrastructure, waste management, and public health initiatives.

County to enhance revenue collection

Sakaja’s revenue drive comes amid wider calls for counties to enhance internal revenue collection to reduce dependency on national allocations.

Sakaja’s administration as Nairobi County Governor has, however, been faulted for corruption, with mounting concerns over financial mismanagement. Billions of shillings remain unaccounted for in what insiders describe as dubious and inflated development projects.

Key among them is a controversial road rehabilitation programme and questionable procurement of garbage collection services, both flagged by auditors for irregularities. Despite the allegations, Governor Sakaja has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, terming the accusations as politically motivated.

“We are committed to transparency and service delivery. These claims are meant to distract us,” Sakaja said during a recent press briefing. Nonetheless, watchdog agencies and civil society groups continue to pile pressure on City Hall, demanding investigations and the publication of detailed expenditure reports for the last two financial years