Potential Hike in Costs for Apartment Owners with Proposed Nairobi County Rates

The proposed move to implement value capture and sectional rates for apartment owners in Nairobi County should be approached with caution and discouraged for several reasons.

Firstly, while the intention behind value capture may seem fair in principle, the practical implications could be burdensome for residents.

Requiring apartment owners to pay rates based on the floor they occupy could lead to significant increases in costs for many individuals, particularly those on higher floors or in larger units.

This could create financial strain, especially for residents already facing economic challenges.

Secondly, the implementation of sectional rates may not necessarily address the underlying issues of fairness and accountability in land rates.

While it aims to ensure that each apartment owner pays their own rates, there is a risk that this could result in administrative complexities and disputes among residents.

Moreover, the burden of payment could still fall disproportionately on certain individuals, particularly if some residents refuse to pay their share.

Furthermore, the introduction of these measures could have unintended consequences for property ownership and development in Nairobi County.

It may discourage investment in apartment developments and deter potential buyers or lessees who are concerned about escalating costs and administrative burdens. This could ultimately stifle economic growth and development in the region.

Overall, while the goal of increasing revenue and ensuring fairness in land rates is important, the proposed approach may not be the most effective or equitable solution.

Instead, alternative measures should be explored that prioritize affordability, transparency, and the interests of all residents in Nairobi County.