Governor Mike Sonko Introduces New Taxes for Nairobians

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s Government has raised taxes in some sectors in a move expected to bridge the county’s budget deficit.

According to the proposed levy by the County Treasury, homes in informal settlements, middle-class areas and high class will be expected to pay Ksh100, Ksh300 and Ksh500 every month for garbage collection respectively.

The Finance Bill, available for public review till Friday, also proposes that all primary day schools and daycares with more than 850 pupils will also part with Ksh30,000 garbage money every month.

On the other hand, all the boarding primaries and secondary schools with more than 2,000 students will be expected to pay Ksh65,000 for their garbage collection.

In other sectors, the Treasury also proposed an increase in parking fees around the city moving from the current Ksh300 to Ksh400.

According to the Bill seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the County Government also intends to levy ATM Machines around the city as well as invade the billboard, advertising and Gaming industries.

All decorations or adverts on public service transport vehicles will attract a fee of Ksh9,100 per year whereas those inside will attract a fee of Ksh2,800.

In the financial field, large banks and MPesa agents with more than five outlets will be expected to pay a yearly fee of KSh30,000, those with two will part with Ksh20,000 while those with up to one outlet will be charged Ksh 10,000.

A section of the MCAs, however, was not pleased with the new proposal. Embakasi MCA Michael Ogada stated that overtaxing Nairobians is not the solution and that the Government should exploit the already existing means.

This comes a few months after the National Government passed a Finance Bill introducing an 8% tax levy on petroleum products that subsequently raised the cost of living.