Traders face stiff fines for flouting local laws

Counties have proposed slapping hefty penalties on residents and groups that fail to comply with local laws.

The recommendations under the counties’ Public Finance Bill, 2019 are currently being subjected to public participation forums in Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and other counties in the region.

The proposal made in the Uasin Gishu’s proposed law requires traders engaged in sales promotions to pay Sh2,000 to use public spaces and road reserves. Failure to comply will result in a huge Sh500,000 fine.

If the Bill is passed, residents who obstruct revenue officers in the course of executing their duties will be forced to part with Sh50,000.

In what appears to be a move by the county to curb deforestation, timber transporters will be fined Sh200,000 for moving tree products without an environmental impact assessment (EIA) inventory report.

The report is issued by the Kenya Forest Service, county Department of Environment and National Environment Management Authority.

But traders said the fines could drive them out of business. “I am shocked. Some of the penalties are unrealistic and they should be abolished,” said Philip Kiptoo, a businessman in Kimumu.

Francis Otieno, a boda boda operator in Langas, said enforcement and revenue officers might take advantage of the stiff fines to extort motorcyclists and motorists.

Finance Executive Julius Rutto, however, said the proposals ewre intended to deter noncompliance with the law. The money collected, he added, will help boost revenue.

“Penalties are not aimed at punishing innocent residents. They are aimed at ensuring that we follow the law,” he said during a public participation exercise in Eldoret.

In Elgeyo Marakwet, the administration has increased license fees for traders operating in verandas and temporary buildings from Sh1,050 last year to Sh1,500.

Traders found operating without paying for cess will be penalised Sh10,000 while builders found implementing a project without an EIA report will pay Sh20,000.

Residents who plaster posters or hand out handbills in undesignated areas will also be fined Sh20,000.

Finance and Economic Planning Executive Isaac Kamar said they expected the new levies to boost revenue to Sh140 million from Sh130 million last year.

“Residents have given their views on the Bill and we expect to seek approval from the county assembly in the next few weeks,” said Mr Kamar.