Nairobi Kenya — The Nairobi County Government on Wednesday embarked on an operation that will see them take over buildings whose owners have not cleared land rate arrears.

Addressing the press, Nairobi County Government Chief Revenue Officer Nixon Otieno said the move is aimed at increasing revenue.

"We want to ensure that payments are made for us to be able to continue providing better services, but more is required for us to continue," he said.

A number of buildings including Chester House have been put under the County government until the rate arrears are cleared.

During the operation, tenants were asked to be paying rent to the county authorities until the arrears are settled.

"All tenants will pay the rent to us but this will not continue forever. We have given the owners a seven-day notice to pay," he affirmed.

He also said the county authorities will be embarking on clamping government owned houses that have arrears.

"Once given the directive by the governor, this shall happen. We want to enhance our capacity of serving the public," he explained.

Otieno said the county will continue with the exercise until all building owners remit their dues.

Land rates are the tax levied on land based on the market value of land.

Value of land increases as it is serviced with good roads, water, sewage system, street lights and other security systems.