Project: Youth Engagement and Civic Participation
Title of the Event: Report on Public Participation Forum on the Nandi Finance
(Amendment) Bill No. 2, 2026
Date(s) and Time: 19th June 2026
Location: Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex
Organized by: Nandi County Government
Participants / Target Audience: Members of the public, youth representatives,
landowners, county officials, and Retizen Organization champions.
Number of Participants Present: Approximately over 100 participants.
1.0 Introduction and Purpose
On 19th June 2026, Retizen Organization had the opportunity to participate in a public participation
forum held at Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex together with its ten youth champions. The forum
brought together approximately over one hundred participants drawn from different parts of Nandi
County, including community members, county officials, stakeholders, and representatives from
various organizations.
The main objective of the forum was to gather public views and opinions regarding the proposed
land rates under the Nandi Finance (Amendment) Bill No. 2 of 2026. The county government had
initially proposed a land rate of 0.5 %, which was later reduced to 0.25 %. The forum provided an
opportunity for the public to discuss the proposed rates and give recommendations before the bill
could be finalized.

2.0 Overview / Executive Summary
The public participation exercise was conducted in an open and interactive manner, allowing
members of the public to express their concerns and views regarding the proposed land rates. The
discussions mainly focused on the proposed reduction of the land rate from 0.5 % to 0.25 %.
Although the county government had already lowered the proposed rate, many participants felt that
the new rate remained too high considering the prevailing economic conditions. The meeting
generated active discussions, with participants expressing concerns about the high cost of living and
the difficult economic environment facing many households.
The forum successfully achieved its objective of collecting public opinions and recommendations
regarding the proposed amendment bill.
3.0 Detailed Description of Activities
The forum commenced with opening remarks and an explanation of the purpose of the public
participation exercise. County officials presented the proposed amendments contained in the Nandi
Finance (Amendment) Bill No. 2 of 2026, particularly focusing on the proposed land rates.
Participants were informed that the county government had initially proposed a land rate of 0.5 %
but had later reduced it to 0.25 %. This proposal generated extensive discussions among
participants, who were given an opportunity to provide their views and recommendations.
Many members of the public stated that the proposed rate of 0.25 % was still too high and beyond
their financial capability. Participants explained that the current economic conditions were
unsustainable and that many residents would struggle to afford the proposed rates. Several
contributors argued that imposing the proposed rate would place an additional financial burden on
citizens.
Some participants also expressed concern that the proposed rate was intended to increase revenue
collection and generate taxes for the national government. During the discussions, it was
emphasized that the role of county governments is not to generate revenue for the national
government but rather to create a sustainable economic environment that supports residents and
attracts potential investors.
The forum further clarified that the proposed land rates would only apply to leasehold land while
agricultural land would remain exempt from the proposed charges. Participants observed that land
values within Nandi County are relatively high and therefore even a rate of 0.25 % would result in
significant financial obligations for landowners.
As a result, members of the public proposed that the county government should further reduce the
land rate to 0.125 %, which represents half of the proposed 0.25 %. Participants argued that such a
rate would be affordable to many residents and would encourage compliance in payment of land
rates.

4.0 Participation Summary
The forum recorded active participation from approximately over one hundred participants. Retizen
Organization was represented by ten youth champions who actively participated in the discussions
and contributed to the deliberations. Members of the public freely expressed their opinions and
concerns, demonstrating a strong interest in county governance and public finance matters.
The level of participation was high throughout the session, and the discussions remained orderly and
constructive. The forum provided an important platform for citizens to engage directly with county
officials on matters affecting their livelihoods.
5.0 Key Achievements and Outputs
The public participation forum successfully increased public awareness of the Nandi Finance
(Amendment) Bill No. 2 of 2026 and the proposed land rates. The meeting enabled residents to
express their concerns and provide recommendations on the proposed rates.
The forum also strengthened citizen participation in county governance processes and promoted
transparency in decision-making. The participation of Retizen Organization and its youth champions
enhanced youth engagement in governance and civic participation.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the public recommendation that the proposed land
rate be reduced from 0.25 % to 0.125 % to make it affordable for residents.

6.0 Challenges and Mitigation

The major challenge observed during the forum was the dissatisfaction expressed by participants
regarding the proposed land rates and the prevailing economic conditions. Many residents indicated
that they would face difficulties in paying the proposed rates due to the high cost of living.
However, the open nature of the discussions allowed participants to air their concerns and receive
clarification from county officials. The participatory approach helped ensure that all views were
heard and documented.
7.0 Feedback and Observations

Participants appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process concerning
land rates within the county. It was observed that community members are becoming increasingly
interested in matters relating to county legislation, taxation, and governance.
The majority of participants strongly felt that the proposed rate of 0.25 % remains unaffordable and
does not adequately consider the economic challenges facing residents. There was also a strong
view that county governments should prioritize creating an enabling economic environment for
citizens and investors.
The meeting was peaceful, organized, and highly interactive, contributing to the overall success of
the forum.

8.0 Recommendations / Next Steps

The county government should consider reducing the proposed land rate from 0.25 % to 0.125 % in
order to make it affordable to residents. Additional public participation forums should be conducted
to allow wider consultations before the final adoption of the bill.
There is also a need to strengthen civic education on county finance laws and land rates to improve
public understanding of taxation matters. The county government should further consider the
economic conditions affecting residents when making financial policy decisions.
Retizen Organization should continue promoting youth participation in governance processes and
supporting civic engagement initiatives within the county.