Nairobi County Closes Down Freemasons’ Church Over Ksh.19 Million Land Rate Arrears

In a bold enforcement move, Nairobi County has reportedly shut down the premises belonging to the Freemasons' church over unpaid land rates amounting to Ksh.19 million. The action is part of a wider county-led initiative to recover billions in revenue owed by property owners within the city.

According to sources familiar with the situation, county enforcement officers sealed off the property after repeated notices to clear the outstanding dues went unheeded. Tenants or caretakers present were directed not to access the building until the matter is resolved, with the county reportedly contemplating legal action to recover the arrears.

The Freemasons’ premises, a well-known landmark in the Central Business District, now joins a growing list of properties targeted by City Hall in its aggressive land rate recovery drive. Over the past year, buildings including Royalty House, Maendeleo House, and Caxton House have faced similar clampdowns, as the county attempts to plug financial gaps and improve service delivery.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration has vowed to take a firm stand against defaulters, emphasizing that no institution is above the law. “We have given enough grace period. Now we must act decisively. These funds are crucial for improving roads, drainage, healthcare, and other public services,” a senior county official stated.

Efforts to get comments from representatives of the Freemasons’ church were unsuccessful by the time of publication. Meanwhile, Nairobians have taken to social media with mixed reactions—some applauding the county for applying the law uniformly, while others called for a more transparent resolution process.

As the clampdown continues, property owners with pending land rate arrears are being urged to comply promptly to avoid similar actions.