Tough times for Kiambu residents as county begins to tax landlords

The cost of housing in Kiambu County is set for a dramatic increase after the county resolved to commence taxation of rental houses, apartments and go-downs starting this financial year.

Governor William Kabogo said his administration has decided to expound the tax bracket in order to enhance the county's revenue standing.

Speaking in Ruiru, Governor Kabogo said his administration was in dire need of more revenue to fund development projects, since what it was getting from the national government was not enough.

"Those who are not paying taxes to the county government, including landlords, will now have to pay. There is no way the county can continue running without money. We need money to fix roads, health and water problems," said Mr Kabogo.

He said a process of identifying all landlords in the county had commenced. He warned those who will not comply with the new directive that they will have their houses closed and auctioned to offset their debt to the county.

"There is no short-cut here. Landlords in Kiambu must pay taxes just like others in the country," he said.

The governor however failed to disclose the amount of tax the landlords will be required to pay, but said they will be notified in due course.

Mr Kabogo warned leaders against politicising the matter, as they have done in the past.

 Protests expected

"Even if they make noise, we will ignore them and soldier on with our job. What we are doing is for the good of the people," said the governor.

Last year, the county witnessed demonstrations by traders who protested against high levies imposed by the government, which they termed as punitive.

The governor made the remarks when he signed a memorandum of understanding with  Visionary Empowerment Programme to  provide water tanks to women groups.

The tanks worth Sh30 million were distributed to more than 10 groups in the entire county.

Kabogo also announced that an amendment would be made on the Kiambu Biashara Fund, to also include women as beneficiaries. The kitty is currently giving youth groups soft loans to start small businesses. More than Sh300 million will be set aside for women groups.

Water Executive Esther Njuguna said the county administration was committed to ensuring 60 per cent of residents get access to clean water by 2018. Current, only 35 per cent of households have access to clean water.

She said the county has launched a tree-planting exercise targeting schools and residential areas.