Court stops bid to raise land rates in Nairobi

The High Court has stopped the Nairobi County government from raising land and property rates from 15 to 34 per cent for Karen and Langata residents.

Justice Mumbi Ngugi said the county will not levy the new rates, pending the hearing of petitions filed by residents and Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko challenging the county's decision.

Resident lawyer Nganga Mbugua told the court the county government did not consult Karen and Langata dwellers before announcing the increment.

"As residents, we are not refusing to pay but we want the county government to demonstrate how the residents' money has been utilised," he added.

The petitioners argue the rates had been imposed following the enactment of the Nairobi City County Finance Act on September 4, last year, contrary to a March 12, 1999, High Court order.

The defunct City Council of Nairobi had been directed to open a special account where property rates could be pooled and managed, after a dispute over quality of service delivery.

The two matters will be mentioned before Justice George Odunga on September 12 for further direction.