Nairobi landlords will begin paying higher land rates from January 1, 2026, according to the county government.
In a public notice published on Friday, October 24, Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Built Environment and Urban Planning Patrick Mbogo declared that the new rates have been set under the newly enacted National Rating Act, 2024.
“In exercise of powers conferred on me by Section 15(3) and Section 56(1) of the National Rating Act 2024, notice is hereby given to all members of the general public and owners of ratable land that land rates levied by the Nairobi City County Government for the year 2026 will be payable on the 1st day of January, 2026,” the notice in part read.
How the New Rates Will Work
In the new system, buildings will be levied on flat rate areas and site value, subject to their size.
Land parcels that are less than 0.1 hectares shall be taxed a flat annual fee of Ksh2,560, and land parcels between 0.1 and 0.2 hectares shall be taxed Ksh3,200 per year.
Parcels of 0.2-0.4 hectares will be payable Ksh4,000, while the top rate Ksh4,800 per year will be levied on land over 0.4 hectares in size.
Private and public valuation property charges will be based on the 2019 Draft Valuation Roll, which will have priority until a new valuation is undertaken.
Same Rate for All Property Types
The county has also set a standard annual rate of 0.115 percent of the Unimproved Site Value (USV) for all categories of property residential, commercial, and agricultural land included.
Mbogo clarified that paying property owners who have raised objections against the 2019 Draft Valuation Roll should not pay before their cases are heard and resolved.
He also urged landlords whose properties were not on the valuation roll to take a trip to City Hall and see the Chief Valuer for advice and confirmation.
“Be aware too that owners of sectional titles should now open their own rates accounts,” the notice continued.
What It Means for Landowners
The new rates, effective early 2026, mark the first significant adjustment under Governor Johnson Sakaja’s leadership, as City Hall tries to boost revenue collection and update outdated property valuation schemes.
While the reforms aim to align property taxation with market prices in the land, they will hit most property owners, especially those owning vast pieces of land or multiple pieces of land within the city.
