Governor Mutua allows small businesses to operate tax free in Machakos

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Small business owners in Machakos county will not pay tax, Governor Alfred Mutua has said.

The Machakos county government has announced measures to cushion residents from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The situation has been aggravated by new protocols announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday.

Machakos County is one of the five counties which have been placed on partial lockdown.

Governor Alfred Mutua has said penalties and interests of land rates have been waived up until May 15, while land sub-division fees have been suspended until June 30.

Mutua has also announced that public transport vehicles' monthly registration fees have been reduced by 50 per cent, while mama mbogas and bodaboda operators will not pay any tax.

Fees paid to the devolved government by tuk-tuks and marutis have been suspended until June 30.

The county government has also scrapped off fire licence fees in small businesses for this calendar year.

Tariff fees paid to the county by wholesalers and distributors have been reduced by 50 per cent.

Single business permits for all private learning institutions have been waived by 50 per cent. The county government has also partnered with a local supermarket to have the prices of selected commodities offered on discounts.

Governor Mutua appealed to the petroleum industry to find ways to reduce the prices of the different commodities telling them to “reduce your profits for a little bit".

He urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to strike a deal with Kenya Power not to disconnect electricity when residents are struggling to clear bills.

Mutua further urged landlords to reduce rent and exercise patience if payments delay.

He also called on leaders to “exhibit a human heart and undertake measures to uplift our people who are facing hardships during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic.”