The County Government of Homa Bay is developing a County Valuation Roll for its municipalities. This key document will establish the framework for land valuation, rate determination, and revenue administration.
Dr. Peter Ogolla, the county executive committee member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development, stated that the roll will contain detailed information on all land parcels within the municipalities, including location, size, ownership, and value.
“This information is crucial for the county's revenue collection efforts, therefore developing proper plans for our municipalities is important for us to understand the value of land and properties within those areas,” Dr. Ogolla stated.
The initiative supports Governor Gladys Wanga's vision of elevating Homa Bay to city status and will be implemented in all five municipalities: Homa Bay, Oyugis, Kendu Bay, Mbita, and Ndhiwa.
Homa Bay Municipal Manager, Mr. Mark Oketch highlighted the benefits of municipal status, including increased land value and improved infrastructure.
County Valuer, Ms. Victoria Achieng explained that the valuation roll will serve as a register of all land parcels, providing free valuation services to enhance land accountability and reinforce security of tenure.
The County Principal Legal Officer Erick Oteng' noted that the County Valuation Roll and Rating Act of 2020 provides the legal framework for this initiative, which has been pending since 2013.
Oteng' further noted that the valuation process will be conducted in sections, focusing on individual municipalities before compiling the county-wide roll. Residents will have the right to inspect and oversee the final valuation roll.
The Deputy Director of Budgets and Economic Planning, Mr. Wylis Bolo, emphasized the importance of the valuation roll in preventing fraud in land transactions.
Director of Public Participation and Stakeholder Engagement, Mr. Teddy Oginga also highlighted the legal framework for engaging stakeholders in the development of the county valuation roll.
“This initiative clearly demonstrates Homa Bay County's commitment to structured growth, efficient revenue administration, and enhanced land accountability.”
