Embu residents are up in arms over an attempt to increase male circumcision charges in public hospitals.
The Embu County Finance Bill proposes that the cost of the minor surgery be raised to Sh1,500 per individual.
Residents are worried that many families might not afford to circumcise their male children.
Kyeni North MCA Kanjogu Mugo yesterday asked the county government to revise the fee to Sh500. He said many residents could not afford the Sh700 charged by private clinics for the surgery.
READ MORE
Odinga hits out at MPs over 'power grab'
Shifting epidemic: How fight against HIVAids has evolved over the years
Homegrown school feeding program launched to support education, boost local farming
Residents of Runyenjes told the County Assembly Finance Committee that there is a likelihood of the emergence of a traditionally unacceptable generation of uncircumcised Embu men if the amount is not adjusted.
"The county government's appetite for revenue should not overburden residents to the point of making some essential services unaffordable.
There is need for a tax regime that is sensitive to the economic status of the Embu people," said Mr Kanjogu.
Speaking while giving a status report on the bill to the assembly, Kanjogu also faulted the proposed Finance Bill for recommending a payment of Sh5,000 for normal delivery and Sh10,000 for Caesarean section.
He said it was wrong coming at a time when the national government is striving to provide free maternal healthcare.
The residents further want the county government to only charge patients for the fuel consumed by ambulances during medical emergencies, and not "to seek to profit from their ill health".
Speaker Kariuki Mate ordered the committee to polish off the Revenue Bill and ensure that it was read a second time in the next two weeks.
