The Nairobi City County Government has issued a stern 60-day ultimatum to owners of undeveloped and unpaid plots across various city schemes on July 21, 2025.
Head of County Public Service Godfrey Akumali stated in a notice that the directive targets plots in site and service schemes, regularized informal settlements and urban infills throughout Nairobi.
According to the county’s notice, affected landowners now have 60 days from the issuance of the directive to pay all outstanding dues and submit building plans for approval.
This is due to the county being concerned about land remaining dormant, violating allotment terms and becoming economically inefficient by being held for speculative purposes rather than their designated urban function.
“It has come to the attention of the Nairobi City County Government that there are several plots within Nairobi City County Site and Service Schemes, regularized informal settlements and infills which remain unpaid for and undeveloped contrary to their conditions of offer,” Akumali stated.
Non-compliance might result in repossession and reallocation of the land without further notice to the owners.
“Failure to pay up for and develop the plots as advised herein will lead to repossession of the plots by the County government and re-allocation of the same to other deserving individuals without any further reference to the current defaulting owners,” the notice read.
The terms under the notice also state that beneficiaries must pay all required fees and start allowed construction within 24 months.
“Moreover, county-allotted land is offered under clear terms and conditions which, among other things, require the beneficiaries to pay all stipulated plot dues and carry out permissible development within 24 months of offer,” Akumali reiterated.
County authorities have outlined access points and support offices across sub-counties such as Embakasi East, Central, West, North and Kasarani to assist owners in settling arrears and regularizing their records.
Landowners who have acquired leases or certificates but whose properties are not yet listed on the county’s official Valuation Roll are required to report to these sub-county offices to update their documentation.
Furthermore, the government plans to discontinue using plot numbers for collecting rates starting January 2026, shifting instead to official land parcel numbers.
Written by Ismahan Muktar.
