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National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich has criticised some county assemblies for passing what he termed as ‘crazy’ bills that cannot be implemented.
Mr Rotich said some of the bills are unconstitutional, urging county assemblies to consult widely when debating on matters related to money.
He made the remarks at a forum in Diani, Kwale on Sunday after officials of some counties accused the Government printer of declining to print or gazette some of their bills. “It is a concern that on several occasions when we pass Bills that governors refuse to assent to, then pass them for a second time without changes, the printer fails to print them,” said an official from Embu assembly who did not want to be named.
Rotich however said county governments should not pass controversial laws if they want them to be printed and gazetted. “What you pass should be in line with the Constitution before it is printed,” said the CS.
He said his ministry is concerned that assemblies are passing Finance and Appropriation bills without adequate consultation with the National Treasury. “There are some laws when passed must be with consultations with the Treasury and Commission on Revenue Allocation but some have been passed without any single reference or consultations,” he added.
Raise revenue
According to Rotich, very few counties have consulted his office on Finance bills especially on taxation. He told the county leadership that taxation should only be centered on property and entertainment.
“If you tax beyond limit, then it must be through an Act of Parliament on how to raise revenue. If you pass legislation that scares business, no one will invest in your counties,” he said. Speaking during the two-day workshop on foreign travel and fiscal responsibility, the CS said Treasury will put in place tough rules for counties using money for travel only. “We will put rules so that people don’t just put discretion that they need money to travel,” he noted.
On taxation, Rotich observed it could be good for both counties and national government to have one levy to be shared between them, rather than double taxation.
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