Machakos: The Machakos County Government has defended the implementation of its new valuation roll, insisting that it remains legally in force despite a motion by the County Assembly seeking to halt its implementation.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Housing, Urban Development, Roads and Transport Nathaniel Nganga said the assembly’s move lacked legal backing and failed to follow the procedures outlined in existing laws. Nganga stated, “The County Assembly was acting post fact. You cannot, without regard for procedures and legal provisions, revisit matters already passed by the same assembly in a proper sitting.”
He explained that the valuation roll is anchored in the National Rating Act, 2024, and any amendments or reviews must follow the established legislative framework. According to Nganga, the County Assembly has not yet aligned the Machakos County Rating Act, 2014, with the provisions of the national legislation. He further argued, “As the County Executive, we find the decision to halt the new valuation roll moot. You cannot suspend the valuation roll or the Finance Act, which are both money bills, through a simple motion.”
Nganga noted that the new valuation roll was designed to enhance fairness and equity in property rating across the county. He added that the property values used were determined by national government valuers and remain below prevailing market rates. To cushion residents from increased tax obligations, the county government significantly reduced the land rates charge from 2 percent to 0.5 percent and later to 0.2 percent following consultations with stakeholders.
He said the reduction represents an overall decrease of about 90 percent, aimed at making compliance easier for property owners while ensuring the county continues to generate revenue for development projects and service delivery. The county has also extended its land rates waiver programme by an additional month to encourage more residents to settle outstanding dues. “In line with this commitment, the County Executive has decided to extend the land rates waiver period for a further one month,” said Nganga.
He thanked residents for their cooperation and urged them to continue paying taxes promptly, noting that local revenue remains essential in supporting county development initiatives and public services.
