The role of revenue collection in Nairobi has been reverted to the county government from the national government, Governor Johnson Sakaja said Monday.
Speaking at the City Hall parking area when he, for the first time, met county workers, Sakaja said Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officials will no longer collect revenue.
The duty will now be carried out by officers under the ticketing department.
The move to strip off KRA the role, according to Sakaja, was informed by the fact that the taxman was not meeting the set targets previously attained by county officials.
In March 2020, KRA took over the role with officers being given full and unlimited access to county revenue processes, information data and systems.
The governor said in order for the city to provide top-notch services to its people, it has been divided into five boroughs namely; East, West, North, Central and South.
He promised to streamline services by ensuring that order is restored.
"Order in the city will be followed by everyone. No one will be above the law. For example, street lights must be obeyed by everyone and littering of garbage must be in the designated places," stated Sakaja.
Under Sakaja's administration, hawkers will conduct their business in designated zones.
Hawking has been a challenge in the Central Business District (CBD) where licensed traders have been complaining hawkers obstruct their business premises.
During the meeting, Sakaja banned handcart pushers within the CBD and ordered the release of all impounded motorbikes by the inspectorate department for flouting traffic rules.
"I immediately order for the release of impounded motorcycles. We are going to train boda boda operators on how to follow and obey traffic rules," said Sakaja.
On the delay of the salary of the 13,000 county workers, Sakaja pledged that by the 30th of every month, beginning next month, all their salaries will have been paid.
He added that the issue of delayed salaries will be a thing of the past.
The governor said he was aware that suppliers, contractors and lawyers were being given priority at the expense of workers, who toil to generate revenue.
"As my employees, you come first, while suppliers and contractors come second. Please, let's work together to give Nairobi people excellent services. This is my priority," said Sakaja.
He assured the workers their overtime, statutory deductions to National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and Saccos will be sorted out promising that appointments and promotions will be done on merit.
CKweyu@standardmedia.co.ke
