Elgeyo Marakwet imposes Sh2,000 fine for open defecation to increase revenue

You will have to part with Sh2,000 if you are found defecating in the open and another Sh1,000 for urinating openly after the Elgeyo Marakwet assembly passed the County Finance Bill, 2014.

Smokers also risk a fine of Sh2,000 if found smoking in non-designated areas within the county. A fine of Sh2,000 has also been imposed for those found spitting in the open.

These are among a raft of new levies contained in the Elgeyo Marakwet County Finance Bill, 2014 aimed at increasing the county revenue collection and aid in service delivery.

The Bill also imposes a stiffer penalty to individuals found dumping garbage on non-designated areas and a fine of Sh20,000 will be charged for the offence.

According to the Finance and Economic Planning committee chairman David Kipketer, the new levies are meant to increase the county's revenue base and at the same time improve service delivery in the region.

“Our county unveiled an ambitious budget for this financial year and we are targeting to collect Sh132 million inform of revenue and help in realising our development agenda,” said Kipketer.

Mining

He said they have widened the local revenue mobilisation base to tap all areas that were previously not charged and meet the target and that they would rely on public health officials together with the county enforcement department to implement the new levies.

The ongoing oil prospecting in Kerio Valley, according to the Bill, would see the companies conducting the exploration remit to the county Sh5 million per drill up from Sh500, 000 charged previously.

Industrial mining rates have also been increased considerably and Flourspar mining company would be required to pay the county Sh18 million per year up from the usual Sh1.27 million.

Mining royalties have also been increased from an annual fee of Sh2.5 million to Sh5 million while wood companies harvesting trees in the expansive gazetted forests in the county will have to surrender sh200, 000 per permit.

Harvesting trees

The county is keen to cash on the vast forestry resources and different levies for harvesting trees have been introduced. Sawmillers and individuals in the timber processing industry will now be required to pay the county government up to Sh5,000 inform of royalties depending on whether the tree is exotic or indigenous.

Raiply wood company would be charged a monthly fee of Sh500 000 as transport charges up from Sh60 000 while a levy of Sh100 000 has been introduced to local sawmillers for the same.

In a move that might generate debate between Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu counties on management and use of water resource, Eldoret Water and Sanitation (ELDOWAS) Company that supplies water to Uasin Gishu residents would be required to remit Sh3 million to the county. ELDOWAS draws its water from Elgeyo Marakwet County in Chebara.

However Kipketer said the two counties would be engaged in talks to ensure the move is implemented harmoniously.

Also individuals and institutions, non-residents of Elgeyo Marakwet County, wishing to hold events in several stadiums in the county will be forced to dig deeper into their pockets after a hefty fee was introduced.

For Political rallies Sh50, 000 would be charged, Religious Sh10, 000, National rallies Sh25,000 while International functions will cost Sh120 000, Motor vehicle rallying sh50,000, schools and institutions Sh10 000, commercial activities Sh20 000, Music and Athletics Kenya (AK) Sh50, 0000.

Interestingly, edia coverage will be charged Sh10,000.