The National Rating Act, 2024 is a new law that explains how county governments collect land and property rates. These rates are the money paid by landowners to help counties provide services like roads, health centres, water, markets, and garbage collection. The law was made to ensure fairness, transparency, and good use of public money.
Before this law, different counties used different rules to charge rates. This caused confusion and complaints from citizens. The new law creates one clear system for all counties so that people understand how rates are calculated and why they are paid.
Land rates are paid by people who own land or buildings in towns and other rateable areas. This includes registered landowners, people with long-term leases, and those who earn rent from property. In some cases, a person occupying the land may also be responsible.
However, freehold agricultural land is not charged land rates. This means most rural farming land is exempt. Also, land used for public purposes such as schools, hospitals, churches, cemeteries, and public sports grounds is not charged rates unless it is used to make profit.
County governments use valuers to assess the value of land and buildings. This process is called valuation. The value helps the county decide how much rate each property should pay. Valuation must be done by trained professionals and reviewed every five years.
Counties may calculate rates based on the size of land, the value of the land, or the rent the property can earn. Once a method is chosen for an area, it cannot be changed without following the law and informing the public.
The law requires counties to inform citizens before introducing or changing land rates. Notices must be shared through newspapers, radio, public meetings, and other local communication methods. Information must be given in English, Kiswahili, and local languages where possible.
Citizens have the right to attend meetings, ask questions, and give their views. This helps ensure that rates are fair and understood by everyone.
If a landowner feels their land has been valued too high or wrongly classified, they have the right to object. The objection must be submitted within the time announced by the county.
If the issue is not resolved at the county level, the citizen can appeal to the National Rating Tribunal, an independent body created to handle disputes fairly.
The law understands that some people may struggle to pay land rates. Counties are allowed to give remissions, which means reducing or cancelling part of the rate. They may also offer discounts to people who pay on time and waivers for penalties and interest.
Citizens must apply for this help, and counties are required to respond within a set time. If a county fails to respond, the law may treat the application as approved.
Land rates can be paid through banks, mobile money, or other approved methods. Counties must clearly announce when rates are due.
If a person refuses to pay without explanation, the county may take action such as charging interest, denying some services, or taking legal steps. However, the law requires counties to act fairly and give proper notice before taking action.
Land rates help counties improve services and local development. When collected fairly and used properly, they benefit everyone. The National Rating Act, 2024 protects citizens from unfair charges while ensuring counties have money to serve the public.
Citizens are encouraged to stay informed, attend public meetings, check valuation lists, and ask questions. Understanding the law helps people protect their rights and contribute to community development.
Before this law, different counties used different rules to charge rates. This caused confusion and complaints from citizens. The new law creates one clear system for all counties so that people understand how rates are calculated and why they are paid.
Land rates are paid by people who own land or buildings in towns and other rateable areas. This includes registered landowners, people with long-term leases, and those who earn rent from property. In some cases, a person occupying the land may also be responsible.
However, freehold agricultural land is not charged land rates. This means most rural farming land is exempt. Also, land used for public purposes such as schools, hospitals, churches, cemeteries, and public sports grounds is not charged rates unless it is used to make profit.
County governments use valuers to assess the value of land and buildings. This process is called valuation. The value helps the county decide how much rate each property should pay. Valuation must be done by trained professionals and reviewed every five years.
Counties may calculate rates based on the size of land, the value of the land, or the rent the property can earn. Once a method is chosen for an area, it cannot be changed without following the law and informing the public.
The law requires counties to inform citizens before introducing or changing land rates. Notices must be shared through newspapers, radio, public meetings, and other local communication methods. Information must be given in English, Kiswahili, and local languages where possible.
Citizens have the right to attend meetings, ask questions, and give their views. This helps ensure that rates are fair and understood by everyone.
If a landowner feels their land has been valued too high or wrongly classified, they have the right to object. The objection must be submitted within the time announced by the county.
If the issue is not resolved at the county level, the citizen can appeal to the National Rating Tribunal, an independent body created to handle disputes fairly.
The law understands that some people may struggle to pay land rates. Counties are allowed to give remissions, which means reducing or cancelling part of the rate. They may also offer discounts to people who pay on time and waivers for penalties and interest.
Citizens must apply for this help, and counties are required to respond within a set time. If a county fails to respond, the law may treat the application as approved.
Land rates can be paid through banks, mobile money, or other approved methods. Counties must clearly announce when rates are due.
If a person refuses to pay without explanation, the county may take action such as charging interest, denying some services, or taking legal steps. However, the law requires counties to act fairly and give proper notice before taking action.
Land rates help counties improve services and local development. When collected fairly and used properly, they benefit everyone. The National Rating Act, 2024 protects citizens from unfair charges while ensuring counties have money to serve the public.
Citizens are encouraged to stay informed, attend public meetings, check valuation lists, and ask questions. Understanding the law helps people protect their rights and contribute to community development.
