DEPARTMENT OF LANDS SENSITISES MCAs ON VALUATION FOR RATING BILL

Members of Kakamega County Assembly from two Committees have expressed optimism that the Valuation for Rating Bill 2023 will be passed by the County Assembly once submitted by the County Executive.

Speaking at a meeting organized by the Ministry of Lands, Housing, Urban Development and Physical Planning, the Chairperson of the Finance and Economic Planning Committee at the Assembly Hon. Bonface Osanga emphasized the need for the Honourable Members to ratify the Bill when it is presented to the House terming it crucial to the growth of the County’s Own Source Revenue. His sentiments were echoed by the Chairperson of the Physical Planning, Lands, Housing and Urban Areas Hon. Timothy Wanzetse.

CECM for Lands, Housing, Urban Development and Physical Planning Mrs Peninah Mukabane said it will spur economic development not only in Kakamega and Mumias Municipalities but also in the other Urban Centres within the County.

She noted that it promotes compliance on payment of rates related to land which will in turn boost revenue that is essential to the County’s revenue base; a key agenda of H.E FCPA Governor Fernandes Barasa. It will also ensure equity and fairness in land valuation and rating system.

County Attorney CS Vivian Mmbaka on her part said it is envisaged that the Act shall provide for a legal framework for valuing and rating land with an aim of ensuring efficiency, accountability and transparency in administration of valued land for rating.

In addition, she explained, the Bill provides for valuation of property rates and the imposition, payment and collection of the same in Kakamega County.

The meeting was attended by the Leader of Minority Hon. David Ndakwa, MCAs’ from the two Committees as well as Chief Officers; Ms Faith Gitira (Lands Administration, Survey and Physical Planning) and Mr Patrick Butichi (Urban Development and Housing) among other Senior County Officers.