Nyong'o waives penalties land rates to avoid fallout with investors

 

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has extended his amnesty on people who have not paid land rates.

The amnesty has been extended by two weeks.

Prof Nyong’o said the extension was a "Christmas gift" to investors who missed the first deadline.

In a notice published in The Standard yesterday, Nyong’o said he had extended the amnesty till January 4, granting defaulters 100 per cent waiver on all penalties.

“Kindly note that after January 4, 2019, all rate defaulters who fail to take advantage of the Christmas waiver window as provided herein shall be subject to terms and conditions as provided in the notice of The Standard newspaper of November 23, 2018,” read the notice.

Land owners, some who have not remitted their rates for the last 10 years, owe the county government Sh15 billion.

Nyong'o had earlier hinted that those who had not paid the rates would have investment on their parcels confiscated to recover the debt.

The list that was released of all the noted defaulters brought a lot of heat, with many denying not remitting the levies. Kenya's first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was on the list.

Kisumu International Airport, which is managed by the Kenya Airports Authority, owes the county Sh1.4 billion.

Kenya Industrial Estates, whose regional headquarters sit near the airport, owe Sh230 million.

National Cereals and Produce Board, with its silos premised next to the KIE offices, owe Sh39 million.

United Millers, a top investor in the lake city, owes Sh173 million.

Politician and salaries and Remuneration Commission member Oloo Aringo is said to owe Sh183 million.