The Senate County Public Accounts Committee has directed the Murang’a County Executive to expedite the completion of its long overdue valuation roll, warning that continued delays are undermining revenue mobilisation and financial planning.
The order was issued during a session in which Governor Irungu Kangata informed the Committee that the county would need up to two years to finalise the register. The valuation roll, last updated in 2006, is a legal instrument that lists all properties within a county alongside their assessed market values. It forms the basis for calculating and administering property rates, which are a key source of own-source revenue for devolved units.
The valuation process requires a formal request by a county government and must be supported by development plans, official searches, maps, and resolutions. Once completed, the roll provides details such as property ownership, land use, size, and market value, enabling counties to set and adjust rates in line with economic conditions.
The Committee led by Vice Chair Senator Johnes Mwaruma expressed concern that a valuation roll pending for nearly two decades had contributed to diminished revenue performance in Murang’a. Senators argued that the county cannot accurately forecast or collect property income without updated valuations.
Governor Kangata reported that the County Assembly had already passed the enabling legislation and recruited a valuer from the national government, which helped cut the projected cost of the exercise to 7 million shillings. He explained that the main obstacle was public participation, which he said could trigger unnecessary panic among property owners.
“This is not the right time to conduct public participation. Conducting public participation may cause panic among property owners in the county,” he told the Committee. Kangata insisted that the process remained on track and could be completed within one to two years.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu supported the Governor’s cautious approach, arguing that an abrupt valuation update might burden residents with higher property taxes. He told the Committee that the Governor was likely mindful of the political implications ahead of his bid for a second term.
“I agree with the Governor. We should not make people of Murang’a pay more in taxes. Let us digest the projects the Governor has rolled out and their impact before the valuation,” said Senator Nyutu.
However, Senator Mwaruma and Senator Samson Cherarkey disagreed, insisting that the county must finish the valuation and submit the findings to the Senate. They argued that updated property data is critical for fiscal oversight and transparency.
“Complete the process so that we can determine the actual value of the property rates,” Senator Mwaruma said. He added that the county retains the option of lowering the percentage of rates payable if economic conditions do not allow higher charges.
The Committee is expected to follow up with the county government to ensure compliance with the directive. If completed, the valuation register will place Murang’a among the counties modernising their revenue systems as pressure intensifies on devolved units to strengthen own-source income and reduce reliance on national transfers.
