Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Thursday issued new demands to Nairobi Members of County Assembly (MCAs) as part of the reforms set to improve the County's economy.
During the official opening of the Nairobi County Assembly, Governor Sonko asked the Nairobi MCAs to amend and repeal laws that have paralysed the City's growth.
Among them are amendments to the finance laws to reduce and abolish trade license fees for small traders.
Some of the laws, Mr Sonko noted are draconian and obsolete and have been used by previous regimes to promote corruption among the county employees.
"Some of the city by-laws have no place under the current constitutional dispensation nor a modern city," he noted.
"These laws have also provided a fertile ground for corruption to thrive among the employees of the county," Sonko stated.
Sonko further faulted former Governor Evans Kidero's government for accumulating massive debts and unmanageable wage bill.
He indicated that during Mr Kidero's tenure, corruption was rife and that revenue collection was at its low.
"The county debt burden currently stands at a staggering Sh58 Billion. Out of this amount, Sh12 billion is owed to employee pension schemes," he noted.
Regarding the small-scale traders within the county, Mr Sonko noted that he would make good his promise to abolish the daily fee charged to them.
"This, I believe, will go a long way in putting more money in the pockets of the people of Nairobi to feed and educate their children," he added.
Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe, Senator Johnson Sakaja and several Jubilee MPs were also present during the event.
