Bill proposes hefty fees for use of public venues

By MICHAEL OLLINGA

Uasin Gishu, Kenya: Politicians wishing to use public amenities in Uasin Gishu county for political rallies will now have to pay in excess of Sh120,000.

This is among the highlights of the Finance Bill which is in its third reading before the county’s assembly.

The Bill also proposes hefty fees for those planning social functions like weddings, cultural festivals, commercial expos and sporting activities, which hitherto were not paid for.

Area County Assembly Speaker Isaac Terer said they have increased the rates to cater for expenses incurred maintaining the facilities.

“The House has presented new charges and increased some of the existing ones to ensure that venues for public rallies and other events are left in good condition,” he said.

In an apparent reference to the Kipchoge Keino Stadium currently under renovation, Terer said public facilities in the area are in a dilipidated state because they have previously been poorly managed.

“Most people have been using county parks, school premises and stadiums without paying anything or very little,” he added.

According to the Bill, individuals planning to host political rallies and international events at the stadium will pay Sh120,000 up from the initial Sh4000, while hosting  national events will cost organisers  Sh50,000 up from Sh2,400.

Schools and learning institutions, which were initially not charged for using the stadium, will pay Sh10,000 just like religious institutions that used to pay Sh1,800 per day.

Vehicle racing

Other activities like commercial events, music extravaganzas and motor vehicle racing will now cost Sh50,000 each. Athletics Kenya will have to pay Sh50,000 for its athletes to use the facility for training.

The Bill also requires individuals to pay up to Sh50,000 per month to use school playgrounds and Sh7,500 per day for halls, classrooms or hostels.

Unexpectedly, the Bill stipulates that media houses will need to pay Sh10,000 to cover events at the Kipchoge Keino stadium.

Further, vendors who sell their merchandise during public events will be required to pay Sh2000 per day up from Sh200. Terer said the stadium is a historical facility and needs to be copyright protected.