Residents of Kahawa Sukari Estate have secured a temporary relief after the High Court of Kenya barred the Kiambu County Government from enforcing newly increased land rates pending the hearing of a petition challenging the hike.
In the ruling, Justice Mogeni directed that a temporary conservatory order be issued stopping the implementation of the contested land rates while the court considers an application filed by residents.
Residents challenge sharp rate increase
The petition was filed by four residents Dickson Miano Maina, Joseph Kurauka, Murithi Kananua, and Nicholas Komu on behalf of 578 plot owners in the estate.
According to court documents, the residents have contested a significant increase in land rates imposed by the county government. They told the court that homeowners in the estate historically paid Sh1,500 annually in land rates, but the county raised the amount to Sh15,750 in 2024.
The petitioners argue that the increase represents roughly 1,000 percent, which they describe as excessive and detrimental to their property rights.
“The increase represents approximately 1000 percent and therefore a disproportionate increase that is detrimental to the right to hold property,” the petitioners state in their court filings.
Concerns over public participation and valuation
The residents further claim that the county government failed to conduct meaningful public participation before implementing the new charges, arguing that the move violates legal requirements governing property valuation and rating.
They also challenged the valuation model used to calculate the new rates, which assumed a uniform land value of Sh6.3 million per quarter acre based on a 2014 valuation. The petitioners argue that the figure does not reflect variations in property values within the estate.
In an affidavit submitted to the court, Dickson Miano Maina said many homeowners in the area are retirees who are struggling financially and would find it difficult to afford the increased charges.
He also noted that several essential services within the estate, including security and waste management, are largely funded and managed by residents rather than the county government.
Additional concerns raised
The petitioners also highlighted infrastructure challenges in the estate, noting that sewer connectivity remains limited. As a result, many households still rely on septic tanks despite the higher land rates.
Residents also expressed concern about penalties and interest on unpaid rates, which they say accrue at 30 percent, further increasing the financial burden.
Court documents indicate that residents previously wrote to Kimani Wamatangi, the Governor of Kiambu County, on August 22, 2025, requesting a review of the rate increase. They claim their concerns were not addressed.
Court directions
While issuing the interim conservatory order, Justice Mogeni declined to certify the application as urgent but allowed the temporary suspension of the rate increase until the matter is heard and determined.
The court also directed the petitioners to serve all parties involved in the case, including the Kiambu County Government, the governor, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance, and the Kiambu County Assembly.
The case will be mentioned on June 18, 2026, when the court is expected to issue further directions on the matter.
