The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has issued a list of demands to the Council of Governors (CoG) and its chairperson Anne Waiguru citing increased cases of counties extorting heavy commercial transporters on highways.
In a statement dated Monday, July 31, the motorists revealed that nine counties are notorious for double charging, increasing the cost of operation for truckers.
The counties Kisii, Meru, Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Nyamira, Migori, Kisumu and Machakos. Motorists ferrying goods to the listed counties have complained of being forced to pay annual distribution permits for all the devolved units, driving up costs.
"Addressing this issue promptly and fairly will foster a more conducive environment for businesses in the region, allowing for sustainable growth and prosperity for all stakeholders," read part of the statement.
According to the association's chairperson, Newton Wang'oo, the counties have imposed annual distribution permits on heavy commercial transporters even though the permits do not apply to them.
The permits should be charged to distributors operating within the borders of a county, not heavy commercial trucks traversing different borders.
"Heavy commercial transporters deliver goods from point A to B we are not distributors. If a truck is forced to pay for the permits in 47 counties, this would run into millions and would be less than any revenue the transporter would get for the transportation services," he stated.
"We firmly assert that these permits were not intended for the heavy commercial transport industry, and their application to our sector is unjust and inequitable," he added.
He argued that imposing such extreme measures would only hinder the transporter's ability to provide cost-effective services to the customers and slow down economic growth.
KTA urged the CoG to look into three key issues to reduce the financial constraints on the affected drivers.
The Council was urged to conduct an immediate review of the regulations concerning annual distribution permits to ensure they are appropriately targeted and enforced, excluding the heavy commercial transport industry.
Also, CoG should engage in consultations with relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the heavy commercial transport sector, to better understand our specific needs and challenges.
Conclusively, the Waiguru-led council should implement transparent and fair policies that promote a conducive business environment for heavy commercial transporters, supporting economic growth and regional development.
