Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has differed with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki over the decision to ban private cars operating as Public Service Vehicles.
The CS had announced that his ministry was turning its gaze on the cars after noticing that a number of the cars, especially Sientas and Noahs, for operating in the public service sector without permits.
Speaking at a Church Service in his constituency on Sunday, Nyoro, who chairs the Parliamentary Budget and Appropriations Committee, argued that all businesses should be accorded support to grow.
He further argued that the directive did not emanate from the government headed by President William Ruto.
"For those in the Kenyan transport sector, sometimes I read stories in the paper that I know are not from the government," he stated.
"For those carrying passengers, whether they are using matatus, Probox, and Sienta, our duty is to sit down and find ways to support them conduct their businesses without fear because this is a supportive government."
"Everywhere a Kenyan business person is, our work is to support them make a profit and enlarge their territories because they hold the economy," he added.
Countrywide, the lawmaker further demanded a reduction in taxes claiming that business people who imported goods when the Shilling was volatile risk making losses after its recent drop.
"We should support all business people. Those in Nyamakima and Nairobi and the rest of the country. To all government agencies, our work is to incentivise the businesses and enterprises in Kenya," he explained.
"As you do changes and especially increasing the duty, like the one we saw recently, it is important to do public participation. The decision to increase exercise duty from Ksh2.5 million to Ksh3 million should be put on hold because many imported goods while the Shilling was performing higher than the Dollar. Adding the duty, they will either sell at a loss or pass the costs to consumers."
While appearing before the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, Kindiki argued that private cars operating as PSVs were doing so illegally and promised to clean out the sector.
"There are people who run PSV businesses outside the law. There is a category of people doing PSV businesses but they are not licensed and certified as such. There is a Sienta group, and there is another one called Noah group, these are some of the problem areas we will clean out,” he stated.
The vehicles are often cleared to serve as taxis but not as PSVs plying long distance routes.
