Nairobi County will no longer pursue a Ksh10 million land rates bill from Pastor James Ng’ang’a’s Neno Evangelism Centre, following a decision communicated by Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria.
Mosiria, speaking on Wednesday, revealed that after consultations and consideration of previous executive directives, the county resolved to waive the land rates owed by the CBD-based church. He also shared that he had accepted an invitation from Pastor Ng’ang’a to attend a church service this coming Sunday, stating it was an opportunity to show appreciation for the pastor’s efforts to remain compliant with county regulations.
“After guidance, consultation, and soul-searching — because we are also Christians — our leadership advised that the Church of God should be exempt. Thanks to the governor’s decision, the church will not be required to pay land rates,” said Mosiria.
The county officer added that while the land rates had been waived for the church itself, county officials were following up on compliance for a restaurant operating within the church premises. The restaurant, which serves congregants, is required to meet all standard regulatory obligations.
In a subsequent update, Mosiria confirmed that Neno Evangelism Centre had successfully obtained a Unified Business Permit (UBP) for the restaurant. He also dispelled recent media claims suggesting the church had been locked by county authorities, clarifying that officials had merely visited the premises to ensure compliance with outstanding county dues.
This development follows a recent confrontation between Pastor Ng’ang’a and county officials regarding the land rates. The pastor had strongly opposed the attempt to enforce the payment, citing an executive order issued during former Governor Mike Sonko’s tenure, which waived land rates for religious institutions.
In a video statement, Pastor Ng’ang’a downplayed the Ksh10 million demand, claiming it was negligible compared to his personal wealth. “Write me a letter cancelling the waiver given by Mike Sonko. I’ve not refused to pay. But write me an official letter revoking the waiver,” Ng’ang’a said, emphasizing he was ready to pay if legally required.
Former Governor Sonko later affirmed that he had indeed issued an executive order exempting religious organizations — including churches, mosques, madrasas, and charity homes — from paying land rates during his term. He stressed that the waiver remained in effect unless formally revoked by the current administration.
“My attention has been drawn to Pastor Ng’ang’a’s remarks. I confirm that I lawfully issued a waiver for all religious institutions and charitable organizations,” Sonko said.
The decision to honor this waiver aligns with that order and has effectively closed the dispute between the county and Pastor Ng’ang’a — at least for now.
