How to Apply for a Land Rates Clearance Certificate in Nairobi

Applying for a Land Rates Clearance Certificate in Nairobi is a straightforward process that can be completed at Nairobi City County’s Rates Department located at City Hall. Here’s your complete step-by-step guide:


Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Obtain Payment Invoice

  • Visit the County Lands Department at City Hall, Nairobi

  • Proceed to the Rates Department

  • Furnish the clerical officer with proof of land ownership, which includes:

    • Official land search certificate

    • Original title deed

You’ll receive a payment invoice for the rates clearance certificate.

Step 2: Pay for Rates Clearance Certificate

  • Locate the cash office in the same building

  • Pay the rates clearance fee to the cashier

  • CostKsh 10,000 for Nairobi City County

  • You’ll receive a rates certificate receipt (original)

Payment Options:

  • In person at cash office

  • Online via EJIJI PAY using M-Pesa or Airtel Money

  • Dial 217 → Select 5 for land rates → Select 1 for payments → Enter LR number

Step 3: Submit Documents for Verification

Return to the Rates Department and go to the Administration Officer for document verification. Bring the following:

Required Document Purpose
Rates certificate receipt (original) Proof of payment
Proof of land ownership Title deed + official search
PIN certificate KRA identification
Identity Card Personal identification
Passport (copy) For foreigners only
Certificate of Incorporation For company-owned properties
Land Rates receipt (copy) Last 3 years’ receipts if applicable

Step 4: Obtain Rates Clearance Certificate

  • Wait 48 hours for processing

  • Return to the Rates Department

  • Bring your rates certificate receipt

  • You’ll be furnished with the Land Rates Clearance Certificate

Quick Option: In Nairobi, the certificate is typically ready within 2 hours once payment is made.


Contact Information

Rates Department – City Hall, Nairobi

Detail Information
Location City Hall, City Hall Way, Nairobi
Postal Address P.O. Box 30075, Nairobi 00100
Telephone 020-2176467
Email info@nairobi.go.ke
Website http://www.nairobi.go.ke
Operating Hours Monday–Friday: 08:00 – 17:00
Administration Officer Patricia Wairimu Wambui
Phone (Admin Officer) +254 722 238 153

Who Should Apply?

  • Property sellers are responsible for applying, paying, and obtaining the certificate

  • Required for all property transfers at the Deeds Office

  • Essential for proving you’ve paid all land rates up to date


Important Tips

  1. Bring original documents – Copies may not be accepted for verification

  2. Keep all receipts – You’ll need the original rates certificate receipt

  3. Pay land rates for last 3 years if you haven’t paid recently

  4. Online payment saves time – Use EJIJI PAY to avoid queues

  5. DEADLINE: Land rates must be paid by March 31st annually with no waivers

  6. Verify before buying – Buyers should request the certificate before completing purchase


Additional Documents Needed for Property Transfer

When registering completion documents, you’ll also need:

  • Search certificate (proof of ownership)

  • Original title deed

  • Original land rates receipts for last 3 years

  • Ksh 10,000 for RCC payment

  • Attach RCC and RCC receipt when registering


Summary Checklist

✓ Official search certificate
✓ Original title deed
✓ PIN certificate
✓ ID card
✓ Land rates receipts (last 3 years)
✓ Ksh 10,000 for clearance fee
✓ Rates certificate receipt (after payment)

Following these steps will ensure you obtain your Land Rates Clearance Certificate efficiently for your Nairobi property transfer.

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