The Nairobi City County Government has given a 60-day deadline to individuals holding undeveloped or unpaid plots, warning that inaction will lead to repossession and redistribution of the land.

In a public notice dated July 21, the county raised alarm over numerous parcels lying idle across Site & Service Schemes, regularized informal settlements, and urban infill areas.

The county stated that these parcels have remained dormant and unpaid for years, in violation of original allocation terms.

“These lands were intended for specific urban use not to be hoarded for speculation,” the statement emphasized. “Failing to develop or pay for the plots renders them economically unproductive and defeats the purpose for which they were issued.”

According to the terms of allotment, recipients were expected to begin approved development within two years and settle all related payments.

The county is now urging owners to clear any outstanding dues and submit building plans for approval within the 60-day period or risk forfeiting the land.

“Failure to pay and submit building plans as directed will lead to repossession and reallocation of the plots without further consultation,” the notice warned.

In addition, the county called on landowners who hold leases or certificates of lease but are missing from the Valuation Roll to report to their respective sub-county valuation offices for regularization.

These offices include those in Dandora, Embakasi, Kasarani, and other locations.

As part of a broader effort to reform urban land administration, the county also announced a change in how land rates will be billed. Starting January 1, 2026, payments will be processed using land parcel numbers instead of plot numbers.

To support this transition, technical teams will begin labeling developed plots with their official parcel numbers, and property owners are urged to cooperate to ensure a smooth process.

This is not the first warning from City Hall.

In a December 14, 2024 notice, Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration listed 109 plots targeted for repossession due to similar violations. The county cited that these parcels some dating back to the 1980s remained undeveloped and burdened with unpaid dues despite clear development timelines.

At the time, affected owners were given a six-month grace period to initiate development or risk losing the properties.

“Any failure to settle dues or begin development within the given time frame will result in repossession and reallocation of the plots to deserving individuals without any further reference to the defaulters,” the previous notice read.

The latest directive now reinforces the county’s commitment to reclaiming idle land and optimizing land use in the capital.