Makueni County Government has introduced new charges for hawkers, egg, smokie and mutura vendors in a bid to increase Own Source Revenue collection.
The new daily and monthly charges were captured in The Makueni County Finance Bill, 2024, for approval by the County Assembly.
Mutula Kilonzo’s administration further introduced new daily charges for traders selling fruits and vegetables within the county.
According to the Finance Bill, general hawking with vehicle assorted items will attract a daily fee of Ksh200 and a monthly fee of Ksh800 if a canter is used.
“Mahindi chomas, mutura vendors, egg/smokies trolleys have new approved monthly charges of Ksh200,” the Finance Bill states in part.
Additionally, hawkers selling seedlings at various nurseries will be required to pay Ksh50 for every crate sold.
Mutula’s administration has also revised market entrance fees introducing Ksh100 for every crate or carton of grapes, apples and passion fruit.
If you are selling watermelons in the county, you will further be required to pay a minimum of Ksh200 per day and a Ksh100 minimum fee for selling cabbages.
“Market entrance fees for items with a daily fee of Ksh400 to Ksh500 will pay Ksh5,000 monthly,” the Bill further indicates.
The Finance Bill further proposes that all agricultural produce vehicles will be mandated to pay Ksh10,000 before being allowed access to any market in Makueni.
The Bill has been met with criticism by a majority of Makueni residents who have complained not enough public participation was done before drafting the new charges.
Notably, Mutula Kilonzo is introducing new levies and fees in a county which has a 68 per cent poverty rate which is among the highest in the country.
For the 2022/23 Financial Year, the Makueni County Government collected Ksh891 billion in Own Source Revenue and has a target of Ksh1.2 billion in 2023/24 financial year.
Activists in the region have vowed to organise demos to oppose the Finance Bill.
