Politicians Blast Governor For Increasing Freehold Land Rates Despite Discontent
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku is under increasing pressure from both local leaders and residents as a contentious clause in the county’s Finance Act regarding freehold land charges sparks widespread discontent.
Residents are outraged by the implementation of the contentious land rates clause, which mandates charges on freehold land, and are urging county leaders to reverse the decision.
Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from five wards have come together in opposition, urging the county government to halt the imposition of the freehold land tax.
Residents of Kajiado County are protesting against the intention by the county government of Kajiado to impose annual land rates tax to freehold lands owners and buildings in Kajiado north.#TV47NewsNow @ojsamsons pic.twitter.com/zf3X4c5W5Q
— TV47 (@tv47news) September 7, 2024
“If they charge freehold titles, it is like disturbing the residents because those with half an acre are charged Ksh5,000,” said one MCA.
The county legislators expressed concerns about the financial burden the policy would place on landowners.
“How much will someone with five acres pay? That translates to people with 5 or 10 acres risking losing their land because some will not be able to pay.”
The leaders are demanding that the community be involved through public participation, pointing out that the tax was already rejected in the county assembly.
“As leaders, when it comes to the land rates proposal on freehold, we agreed that there would be no charges,” another MCA stated.
“We are appalled to see that the Finance Act of Kajiado has passed that freehold land will pay charges.”
The MCAs emphasized their commitment to their communities and opposed the implementation of the charges.
Kenyans wake up! They have started charging for free hold land. 5 k per quarter acre per year. Let it get to Your parents.Kindly follow me. Please retweet we need to stop them.#StopAdani#RutoMustGo #RutoLiesAllTheTime #BomaYanguanswers
— Kingdom billionaire (@KingBilionare3) September 6, 2024
Nyeri building dreams Affordable housing pic.twitter.com/0rL4cNoQqL
“We are here to reject it and support the interest of the community that elected us. We are asking the county government to work in the interest of the people,” the ward representatives pleaded.
The introduction of freehold land rates in Kajiado has raised concerns that many landowners, particularly those with large parcels, may lose their land if they cannot meet the financial demands.
Residents and MCAs alike are urging Governor Lenku’s administration to reconsider the policy and seek community feedback before moving forward.
The controversy occurs at a time when land ownership and usage remain a contentious issue in Kajiado, with many residents relying on large plots of land for agricultural and economic purposes.
Politicians Blast Governor For Increasing Freehold Land Rates Despite Discontent
