Mandago Refutes Claims of Increased Land Rates in Uasin Gishu

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has denied that his government had increased land rates by 600 percent.

Mandago said those spreading the rumor were idlers reiterating that his government will not make unrealistic and unreasonable decisions.

We have not made any decisions contrary to claims that we have increased rates by 600 percent and I urge members of the public and ratepayers not to be misled by individuals with ulterior motives, cautioned the governor.

He said there was no way the county government could increase rates without following due process that includes public participation, adoption by the executive and the County Assembly.

“We understand the economy of the country and we are not going to burden our people with unreasonable rates,” he said, adding that when the current valuation roll exercise is complete, they will engage the public to reach a consensus on the percentage to charge rates.

Mandago assured the residents that due process would be followed and urged them to be patient as the valuation roll is being carried out as per the constitution which mandates the county government to undertake the exercise every 10 years.

“We are even late in doing the valuation because we are doing it after 20 years have elapsed, but I wish to ask landowners not to be worried since they will be engaged before any decision on rates are reached,” he added.

Mandago warned individuals collecting money from unsuspecting residents with the intention of taking the county government to court to stop abusing the court process.

They are collecting money from the public saying they want to go to court for an injunction on land rates increase, what are they going to object to when we have not made any decision to increase rates? he wondered. “Stop giving money to busybodies who are fundraising for their selfish needs.”

“Don’t be misled by idlers out to make money from you, any decision on whether to increase land rates or not is still a long way to go, but in the process that we are taken to court, our only prayer to the court will be to be allowed to engage the services of a private valuer who may make the rates even more expensive to the landowners”, he said.

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