City hall sends final SMS alerts as auction list for land rates arrears released

The Nairobi City County Government has commenced legal steps to auction properties belonging to land rate defaulters, with thousands of final SMS notifications dispatched today.

The auction process is already in motion, and the alerts act as the last formal reminder to affected property owners.

Receiver of Revenue Tiras Njoroge confirmed that more than 5,000 property owners received the messages today, marking the initial group targeted under the consolidated auction drive.

The notifications indicate that these properties have been handed over to auctioneers for recovery, following prolonged default and disregard of previous payment demands.

Another wave of defaulters is expected to receive similar alerts beginning tomorrow.

The SMS notice reads in part:

“Your property LR XXX has an outstanding balance of KES XXX (Invoice No. YYY) and has been forwarded to auctioneers for recovery. Pay in full by 30th June to avoid auction. No further notice will be given before court action, as per the National Rating Act.”

Njoroge emphasized that the County’s actions are not just warnings, but part of an active legal process guided by the National Rating Act No. 15 of 2024.

The recently enacted legislation gives counties the authority to enforce land rate payments through direct legal action, including auctions.

“This is not a threat it’s the law in action. Failure to pay land rates results in auction, as clearly outlined in the statute,” he stated.

Beyond engaging auctioneers, the County has also obtained court orders to support the recovery effort. It has formally requested the Ministry of Lands to register caveats on the affected properties.

These legal notices prevent the sale, development, or transfer of the parcels until all outstanding rates are fully paid.

“This initiative is rooted in fairness,” Njoroge remarked. “It’s unfair for small-scale traders to meet their obligations while owners of high-value properties dodge payment yet continue enjoying County services.”

He underscored the importance of revenue collection in improving service delivery: “With sufficient funds, we can repair roads, equip hospitals, and ensure access to clean water but that requires everyone to play their part.”

Njoroge confirmed that the enforcement campaign will extend beyond the current financial year and urged property owners to take legal notices seriously.

“If you’re served with a court order, don’t panic just comply. This is about restoring fairness,” he said.

The message from the County is now unequivocal: settle your dues or risk losing your property to auction.