04/02/2026
Thinking of buying land in Kenya? Please read this first.
We’ve had clients walk into our office excited to sell their land only to discover they can’t transfer it because of unpaid land rates they didn’t even know existed.
If you own land (or plan to), this applies to you.
Let’s talk clearly and honestly 👇
So, what exactly are land rates?
Land rates are annual taxes paid to your county government for owning land.
If your land is commercial or residential,
if it’s freehold or leasehold,
you’re expected to pay land rates.
The amount depends on your county and land value.
📍 Real example:
A client with a small undeveloped plot in Diani assumed there was “nothing to pay yet.”
But land rates were still due — and penalties had already started adding up.
📄Land rent vs land rates — this confuses many people
Here’s the simple truth:
• Land rent is paid to the National Government and applies only to leasehold land
• Land rates are paid to the County Government and apply to both leasehold and freehold land
👉 If your land is leasehold, you usually pay both every year.
Yes two different payments, two different offices.
⚖️ But I have a freehold title… do I still pay?
Short answer: In most cases, yes.
Freehold land is generally rateable by counties.
However, court cases (like recent disputes involving Kajiado County) show that how counties apply land rates can change.
That’s why we always tell clients:
✔️ Don’t assume
✔️ Always confirm with the county
Other land-related taxes people don’t expect
Before buying or selling land, you may also deal with:
• Stamp duty when transferring land
• Capital Gains Tax when selling at a profit
• VAT on some commercial properties
• Rental income tax if you earn rent
These are not optional and they can delay or block transactions if ignored.
✅ Our honest advice as property professionals
✔️ Always ask for land rates & land rent clearance certificates
✔️ Budget for annual land costs, not just purchase price
✔️ Keep payments up to date — penalties grow quietly
✔️ Get professional guidance before committing your money
📌 Save this post you’ll need it one day.
At Blue Coast Ventures
We work with land buyers and sellers every day, and we’ve seen good deals fall apart simply because of missed land taxes.
Our role is to help you invest clearly, legally, and confidently especially here at the Coast.
💬 Tell us below: do you own FREEHOLD or LEASEHOLD land?
📍 Drop your county and we’ll guide you
🔁 Share this with someone planning to buy land
Call/Whatsapp: 0759 742226
[email protected]
www.bluecoastventures.co.ke
