The Nairobi City County Government has issued a stern 60-day ultimatum to owners of undeveloped or unpaid-for plots, warning that non-compliance will lead to immediate repossession and reallocation of the parcels without further notice.
In a public notice released on Monday, July 21, the county government raised alarm over numerous dormant plots spread across Site & Service Schemes, regularized informal settlements, and urban infill areas, which remain undeveloped or have pending dues in clear violation of the original terms of allotment.
“These parcels were designated for specific urban functions, not speculative holding,” read the notice.
“Failure to develop or pay for them makes the land economically inefficient and goes against the purpose for which it was allocated.”
According to the county, allottees are required to settle land dues and commence development within 24 months of allocation. Failure to do so now places the plots at risk of government takeover.
All affected plot owners must, within 60 days: Clear outstanding payments and Submit building plans for approval
The county has made it clear: “Failure to pay and submit building plans as advised will lead to repossession and reallocation without any further reference to the owners.”
Those who have already acquired leases or certificates of lease but are not listed in the county’s Valuation Roll have been directed to report to designated sub-county valuation offices in Embakasi, Kasarani, Dandora, and other areas for immediate assistance.
In a parallel effort to enhance transparency and streamline land management, the Nairobi City County Government announced that, beginning January 1, 2026, all land rate payments will be processed using land parcel numbers, rather than plot numbers.
To support this transition, county technical teams will begin labeling developed properties with their respective parcel numbers, and plot owners have been urged to fully cooperate to avoid future disruptions in rate processing.
This latest directive is part of an ongoing campaign by Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration to tackle land speculation and misuse of public land.
In December 2024, the county government issued repossession notices to 109 landowners with undeveloped or indebted plots, particularly those allocated in the 1980s under terms that required development within two years.
“It has come to the attention of the Nairobi City County Government that several plots in County Site and Service Schemes remain undeveloped and heavily indebted with respect to plot dues,” read the 2024 notice.
“Failure to pay up for and develop the plots… will lead to repossession and re-allocation of the same to other deserving individuals.”
This recent 60-day notice reaffirms the county’s tough stance on idle land and marks a decisive push toward efficient land use, urban renewal, and enhanced revenue collection.
