Kabogo lowers revenue rates by 50 per cent

The county government yesterday announced reduction of rates paid by small business traders across the county by 50 per cent with effect from Saturday.  PHOTO   BY STANDARD

Kiambu, Kenya: The county government yesterday announced reduction of rates paid by small business traders across the county by 50 per cent with effect from Saturday.

This announcement was made by Governor William Kabogo during a meeting with traders at Kiboko Hotel in Limuru where they aired their grievances.

Mr Kabogo said Finance Executive Ms Mary Nguli will on Friday gazette the new rates which will take effect on Saturday.

"I have listened to your plea and I have already instructed the Executive to place the gazette notice so that traders begin paying these new rates come Saturday, he said.

The governor assured traders who have paid the full amount that the county's automated levy collection will ensure they do not make any payments in the next financial year.

Kabogo said these lowered rates will not affect the county's operations since his administration has moved to seal loop holes where money used to be embezzled.

"We had set a target to collect Sh3 billion this year and so far we have collected Sh1.6 billion. We are hoping that in the next two months we shall be able to collect some tangible amounts," he said.

NEW CHANGES

The governor said automation of revenue collection will ensure that come the next financial year, the county will be in a position to collect the full amount they had projected.

Kabogo, however, said the reduction in amounts paid by traders will affect, albeit by a small margin, the county's development agenda but he was quick to add:

"This is how the people of Kiambu want to be governed and according to article one of the constitution the sovereign power belongs to the people".

The county boss also asked the local assembly to define what public participation means saying he has been receiving some memorandum which appear to not be in-line with public participation.

He said the county government has been having issues with public participation noting that most times traders, especially, say they are too busy to attend these important forums where they can air their views.

Kabogo also said his administration will be relocating to Kiambu town by July this year since the county headquarters will be complete by then.

He said four of his executive committee members are already operating from the new quarters.

"Those issuing ultimatums that we should relocate to Kiambu are doing so because they know plans are underway to do this by July. You will hear them saying all manner of things," he said.