Nairobi City County has intensified its crackdown on land rate defaulters by cutting off essential services to properties with outstanding payments.

More than 100 prominent properties across the capital have been listed in the latest phase of enforcement.

The targeted buildings which include both commercial and residential premises are now being denied access to vital county services such as water supply, waste collection, parking privileges, and business licensing.

This move is part of an aggressive campaign by the County to boost revenue collection from defaulters.

Receiver of Revenue Tiras Njoroge confirmed the enforcement operation, emphasizing its legal grounding and necessity.

"We’re operating strictly within the law," he said. "Some of these property owners owe the county millions in unpaid land rates but continue to benefit from our services without making any effort to clear their arrears."

According to Njoroge, the majority of these properties had previously been issued with warnings, clamping notices, and reminder messages, but little to no action has been taken to settle the debts.

"We’ve played our part now it’s time to act," said Njoroge.

"To improve services, everyone must contribute. We cannot allow a system where some people are above the law."

This heightened enforcement comes on the heels of a mass alert campaign, where over 5,000 property owners received final SMS warnings last weekend.

The notifications outlined possible auction of their properties under the newly enacted National Rating Act No. 15 of 2024, which gives counties the authority to seize and sell assets to recover unpaid land rates.

Beyond auctions, the County has rolled out additional recovery measures, including: Securing legal orders to compel payment, requesting the Ministry of Lands to place caveats on affected properties to prevent their sale and enforcing service disconnections for listed defaulters.

Njoroge pointed out that everyday, residents from small business owners to homeowners continue to pay their dues, and it would be unfair for wealthy property owners to evade obligations.

"We all expect clean water, proper roads, and working health facilities but those things require money. The law must be enforced equally," he asserted.

County officials have pledged to sustain the clampdown into the next fiscal year.

Defaulters have been urged to settle outstanding bills or risk serious penalties, including public auctions and total suspension of county services