In a sweeping and emotionally charged directive, the Nairobi City County Government has sounded the alarm — giving landowners just 60 days to take action or risk losing their plots for good.
Announced on July 21, 2025, the ultimatum targets owners of undeveloped and unpaid plots scattered across city-managed schemes, including site and service schemes, regularized informal settlements, and urban infills.
Godfrey Akumali, Head of County Public Service, delivered the firm notice, calling out what the County views as a troubling trend: plots lying idle, unpaid for, and hoarded for speculation instead of development.
“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 County is now demanding that landowners settle all dues and submit building plans for approval within the 60-day window — or face repossession without warning.
“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.
This is more than just a policy — it’s a wake-up call. Officials argue that land left dormant violates allotment terms and starves the city of economic growth, infrastructure, and housing opportunities.
The County further reminds landowners that beneficiaries are expected to pay all stipulated fees and initiate development within 24 months of receiving their 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.
To help plot owners comply, support offices have been set up in sub-counties like Embakasi East, Central, West, North, and Kasarani to assist with payment, documentation, and regularization.
For those who hold leases or certificates but aren’t listed on the official Valuation Roll, the time to act is now — the county is urging them to report for updates.
In a significant shift, the government also announced it will stop using plot numbers for collecting rates starting January 2026, replacing them with official land parcel numbers for better tracking and accountability.
This isn’t just an administrative notice — it’s a firm stand against urban inertia, speculation, and neglect.
The message is clear: Develop your land, pay your dues, or make way for those who will.
