Property owners in Mombasa have been granted a 45-day amnesty to clear land rates without penalties or interest, as the county government moves to recover over Sh1 billion in unpaid dues.

Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir said the waiver, which took effect on April 1, is aimed at giving residents relief amid tough economic times while ensuring compliance with the law.

“In the spirit that we might be having some form of economic hardships… we have made a decision that for the next 45 days there will be a total 100 percent waiver on all interest and penalties,” said Nassir.

The governor emphasized that the county is not keen on burdening residents with extra charges but is legally obligated to enforce revenue collection.

“The county government of Mombasa has no intention of surcharging people for purposes of land payments. However, the law is very clear,” he said.

He urged landowners to take advantage of the limited window, warning that penalties will resume once the 45 days lapse.

“After the 45 days, interest and penalties will start accruing again,” he added.

Nassir also cautioned that failure to settle land rates could attract enforcement measures, noting that similar actions have been witnessed in other parts of the country.

Land rates remain a key source of revenue for the county, supporting essential services and development projects.

Residents have now been encouraged to utilise the waiver period to clear their arrears and avoid future penalties.