NAIROBI, Kenya — The Nairobi City County Government has issued a stringent 60-day ultimatum, effective July 21, 2025, to owners of undeveloped and unpaid plots across various city schemes.
Godfrey Akumali, Head of County Public Service, stated in an official notice that this directive specifically targets plots within 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 this directive to settle all outstanding dues and submit their building plans for approval.
This measure stems from the county’s concern over land remaining dormant, thereby violating allotment terms and contributing to economic inefficiency by being held for speculative purposes rather than serving their intended urban functions.
“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.
The notice explicitly warns that non-compliance could lead to the repossession and reallocation of the land without further notice to the current owners.
The notice further stipulates: “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 terms outlined in the directive also emphasize that beneficiaries of county-allotted land are required to pay all stipulated fees and commence permissible construction within 24 months of the offer.
“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.
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To assist landowners in settling arrears and regularizing their records, county authorities have designated access points and support offices across various sub-counties, including Embakasi East, Central, West, North, and Kasarani.
Landowners who have acquired leases or certificates but whose properties are not yet listed on the county’s official Valuation Roll are mandated to report to these sub-county offices to update their documentation.
Furthermore, the county government plans to cease using plot numbers for collecting rates beginning January 2026, transitioning instead to official land parcel numbers.
