Nairobi — Maendeleo House and Caxton House are among the buildings that have been clamped down by the Nairobi County government in an initiative led by Finance County Executive Charles Kerich.

This follows the expiry of a14-day legal demand notice given to owners of non-compliant buildings.

Speaking during the exercise, Kerich stated that tenants will be required to pay rent directly to the County Government until all outstanding arrears are cleared.

"It is the obligation of landowners to pay their rates. You cannot blame failure to pay your rates to the tough economic times," he stated during an interview with Capital FM News.

"It is the obligation of landowners to pay their rates. You cannot blame failure to pay your rates to the tough economic times."

He further stated that the legal process of auctioning the property to recover the outstanding arrears will also commence.

"Property owners are urged to take note of the notice and ensure compliance to avoid embarrassment and loss," he stated.

"These rates are not punitive. We have not added land rates. They are the same rates we have been using. It would be punitive if we used different rates. But someone earning Sh60 million from selling land cannot afford to pay Sh100,000."

He indicated that "clamping down has worked for us before and we managed to collect some good amount from that in the past."

He pointed out that payments can be made through USSD Number *647#, Nairobi eServices Portal at (www.nairobiservices.go.ke), Paybill 6060047.

He stated that alternatively, it can be done through the Co-operative Bank of Kenya City Hall Branch, Account Number: 01141709410000, account name Nairobi City County Revenue Collection.

He listed Equity Bank, Parliament Branch, Account Number: 1770279910476, Account Name Nairobi City County Revenue Collection as another mode of payment.

He urged property owner may obtain invoices and bank details from City Hall or any of the 17 Sub-County Offices.