Landowners in Kiambu County are planning a demonstration against the county government's plan to charge them for their land.
Freehold landowners plan to hold a demonstration on Valentine's Day next week.
They will be joined by legislators, clergy and other county leaders who have called on the county government to repeal the law that paved the way for the charges.
The Kiambu County Valuation and Grading Act, passed in 2016, states that all freehold land in Kiambu is gradeable.
Section 14 of the Act gives county governments the power to enter private property for evaluation purposes.
Any attempt to stop this will result in a fine of Sh150,000 or six months in prison.
Michael Kibuni, a resident of Miharati Villa in Kiambar County, said he was shocked when county officials stopped him from building a house on less than four acres of freehold land until he paid the fee.
He said he had received a bill of more than Sh53,000 for the land, including fines incurred since the law came into force in 2016.
According to the law, land charges are subject to a monthly penalty of 3%.
Section 44 allows counties to charge land interest on land deeds through the Land Registrar.
Landowners then filed and signed a petition protesting the law.
The petition was drafted by Bunge Mashinani, a non-governmental organization defending democracy and human rights.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba and Kiamba's colleague John Wanjiku want the law to be removed completely.
Both MPs said this was unconstitutional and would harm Kiambu residents.
Resident Susan Mbularia said she could not afford to pay for the land she fought for during independence.
Jane Jeri, a resident of Githunguri sub-county, said she had buried her loved ones on the land.
Section 45 of the Act authorizes the Ministry of Finance to sell land through auction or private agreement in the event of failure to pay land fees.
The law states that all land in Kiambu, excluding public schools, toilets, markets, hospitals and roads, is subject to assessment.
According to the law, landowners will have to pay all land fees starting in 2016 if they want to sell, subdivide, develop or lease their land.
Bunge Mashinani secretary Michael Mburu said the law was passed without public participation.
While reacting to the issue, Governor Kimani Wamatangi said his administration had determined that the laws were in place.
He said he had asked county councilors to review the matter once they resume their seats.
Mr Wamatangi said he had also waived fines arising from land costs.
This exemption is advertised in local daily newspapers and electronic media.
“This is a reminder to the general public, especially land/plot owners in Kiambu County who have failed to pay their land fees on time, that the Kiambu County Government has waived 100% of interest and penalties accruing on unpaid fees. ” the ad states. To read.
“To qualify for and enjoy the waiver, the land/plot owner must settle the outstanding principal land charges within the waiver period.”
