You must pay up, boda boda operators told in tax row

Boda boda operators will not be exempted from paying taxes despite protests, Kisumu Finance Executive Nelly Achar has said.

Mr Achar said the county administration would not allow some business outlets to pay tax while others are exempted, adding that the law would apply to all business entities in the lakeside city.

"We will not accept some people to evade paying tax while others pay. Their counterparts riding tuk tuks and bicycles are paying. Why not them?" he posed.

In a statement, Kisumu Governor’s Press Unit Director Alloyce Ager said boda boda operators were split over the issue.

"About 113 riders have complied with the new directive but others are still scapegoating," said Mr Ager.

The county risks losing up to Sh720 million yearly if the riders refuse to comply, authorities say.

Part of the plan the county authorities have for the riders is to help them buy buses to operate in the city