A group of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Homa Bay County are seeking to have omena, sweet potatoes and pineapples exempted from tax.
The ward representatives explained that the move was necessary to cushion county residents from the high cost of living following implementation of the Finance Bill 2018 that imposed a new 8 percent VAT on all petroleum products.
Fares and prices of basic goods shot up immediately as a result of the new law, with low-income earners especially feeling the pinch.
The proposal to slash taxes on omena was backed by Dan Were (Kokwanyo), James Ochieng’ (Kabondo East) and Juma Awuor (Homa Bay East) .
They disclosed that they had the support of at least 25 of their counterparts.
Deputy Speaker Evance Marieba promised to table a bill introducing tax exemptions or relief on specific goods.
MCAs backing the move stated that it would also promote the local economy, boosting many small-scale traders.
“Most traders, especially small-scale business operators in the county, cry over hefty tax.
"It’s high time we also promoted local goods,” stated Were.
The Homa Bay County Government adopted an automated tax collection system in a bid to increase its revenue.
