The Nairobi County Government has announced plans to introduce new fines aimed at businesses that do not comply with licensing regulations.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Sunday, July 6, by Charles Kerich, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member in charge of Finance.
Kerich explained that the penalties will apply specifically to businesses that fail to renew or pay for their operating licences on time. He emphasized that these fines are not intended to raise the cost of services but are instead focused on promoting accountability across the business environment within Nairobi.
“These new penalties are not about increasing the cost of doing business but about ensuring that businesses meet their obligations. We are not raising service charges, only penalizing those who do not comply,” Kerich said.
In a move to make service payments easier and more accessible, the county government also plans to introduce simplified and user-friendly digital payment systems. These systems will help business owners and residents make payments more conveniently and efficiently.
“We are investing in digital platforms that are open and accessible to everyone. This will improve payment compliance while also reducing the burden on businesses by cutting the costs and bureaucracy involved,” Kerich added.
Alongside these changes, the Nairobi County Government has launched an extensive mapping initiative that aims to document all businesses, buildings, and land parcels within the county.
The purpose of this effort is to strengthen the county’s revenue base and meet the ambitious financial target of Ksh44.6 billion set for the 2025/2026 financial year.
This announcement comes shortly after CEC Charles Kerich presented Nairobi County’s Ksh44.6 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. It also follows the county’s record-breaking revenue collection of Ksh13.8 billion, which was achieved without the introduction of any new taxes.
To further support compliance and property regulation, Kerich confirmed that the Nairobi County Government is partnering with the National Government to roll out sectional property titles within the city this year.
These titles, commonly referred to as strata titles, allow individuals to legally own specific units within larger developments or buildings.
“This initiative will make property ownership more secure and will increase compliance among property owners. We expect this move to generate at least Ksh2 billion in revenue,” Kerich explained.
In addition, Kerich revealed that the county government is working on a legal framework under the proposed Illegal Developments Bill.
This bill will provide a pathway for developers who constructed buildings without official county approvals to regularize their properties and obtain formal recognition.
“The aim of the Illegal Developments Bill is to create a clear legal mechanism for dealing with unapproved structures. This will not only help regulate development in Nairobi but also bring more buildings into compliance, ultimately boosting revenue,” he said.
With these new policies and initiatives, the Nairobi County Government hopes to streamline operations, promote transparency, and ensure a more accountable and inclusive business and property environment in the city.
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