Kajiado Landowners Get Relief as Court Suspends Land Rates Collection

The Environment and Land Court has suspended the collection of land rates on freehold and leasehold properties in Kajiado County pending the hearing and determination of a petition challenging the legality of the Kajiado County Finance Act, 2026.

The order, issued on Thursday, stops implementation of the Finance Act until the petition is heard. The case was filed by Sheria Mtaani, a grassroots legal organisation led by lawyer Shadrack Wambui.

Wambui, who is also seeking the Kajiado North parliamentary seat in the 2027 election under the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), announced the ruling. He said the county’s attempt to reintroduce land rates was unlawful and punitive.

The latest order follows an earlier dispute over land charges in the county. In January, Justice M.D. Mwangi ruled against similar provisions in the Kajiado County Finance Act, 2023, and declared them unconstitutional.

The court found that the county had failed to follow the required valuation procedures and had not undertaken the mandatory public participation process before varying or imposing land rates. It also ruled that increases in land rent beyond the amounts set out in allotment letters had no legal basis.

In February, Sheria Mtaani organised a symbolic initiative in which landowners were guided to tender Ksh1,500 in rates. The move was intended to demonstrate compliance with the court’s directive while challenging what the organisation considered excessive charges.

The dispute resumed in April after the 2026 Finance Act sought to reintroduce charges on freehold property. The move led to renewed legal action and public mobilisation in Matasia town.

The latest court order prevents the immediate collection of the disputed charges, but the wider legal dispute remains unresolved. The petition will now proceed to a full hearing.