Sigh of relief as MCAs pass amended Finance Bill

Nyeri, Kenya: Owners of cats, dogs and donkeys can now breathe a sigh of relief after a levy slapped on domestic animals was excluded from the County Revenue Administration Bill.

The Bill had proposed a licence fee of Sh200 for dogs and cat owners as well as Sh300 for donkeys and Sh1,000 for horses. However, during the Second reading, the proposal was scrapped.

A Sh5,000 penalty for keeping and rearing poultry in residential and commercial plots in town was also deleted from the Finance Bill, giving reprieve for chicken farmers within the county’s towns.

The Finance Bill also proposes that for an aircraft or helicopter to land in the county, the owners should pay Sh3,000 and Sh2000 respectively to the county government.

The assembly passed the Bill on Tuesday evening after extending its sitting by 10 days to ensure the Bill underwent both the Second and Third readings before adjourning for the long recess.

The Bill had attracted objection over its harsh penalties and fees from hawkers, market venders, boda boda operators, farmers, religious organisations, quarry miners and hoteliers.

PROPOSED CHARGES

Before passing it, the assembly amended it to ensure hawkers working within the county will only pay Sh10 every day to operate.

The law has also reduced proposed charges for vendors in Nyeri town’s Kamukunji Market from Sh1,200 to Sh800 rent per month.

Market vendors from Othaya sub-county also got a reprieve after the fees for market stalls was reduced from Sh1,000 to Sh600.

Motorcycle and private car owners also have a reason to celebrate after the parking fees were reviewed.

Boda Boda operators who previously paid Sh30 per day will now only pay Sh10 per day to park within the Nyeri towns.

Private car owners will pay Sh50 per day within town or alternatively pay a flat rate of Sh80 parking fee if they park in various towns within the county during the day.

For religious organisations, the bill was amended to allow churches pay half of what initially charged for sign boards, posters, banners and advertisements.