5 Taxes & Charges Sonko is Set to Abolish

Nairobi Governor, Mike Mbuvi Sonko, on Wednesday, stated that he would revoke a legal notice gazetted by his administration for the introduction of some taxes in 2019 Finance Bill.

The governor was joining staff of the County Government and members of the Nairobi County Assembly Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriation to review the 2019 Finance Bill proposals.

 He directed that places of religious worship should not be charged for waste collection, and the fee charged to small dealers of cooking gas be reduced from Ksh30,000 per year back to the previous rate of Sh 4,500 per year.

He added that the increment of parking fees to Ksh 400 would only be charged within the CBD to reduce congestion but outside the city centre would pay less.

“We must decongest the CBD and the enhanced parking will assist to achieve this. Other areas will be charged depending on the zone,” Sonko divulged.

The governor also stated he would abolish Ksh 25 charged for the arrival of a chicken into the city from upcountry and fire inspection certificate charges.

He urged members of the executive to consider creating an environment that will encourage entrepreneurship.

"We have to be careful not to kill the hopes of our young people out thereby coming up with outrageous charges," Sonko stated.

The Nairobi county boss called for further consultation on a raft of proposed charges contained in the bill.

“I have not signed anything and I was not consulted on the same. We should be meeting before tabling any proposals affecting Nairobi people and as the governor, there is no notice that can be gazetted without my knowledge.

“There is no way you can bypass me and the assembly and propose sensitive issues touching on things that affect Wanjiku," he declared.