City Hall’s parking revenue up from Sh128 M to Sh149 M

By Cyrus Ombati

NAIROBI, KENYA: City Hall plans to increase its monthly collection from parking section to more than Sh200 million.

This was after the collection for January hit Sh149 million up from Sh128 million in December. The amount was collected from motorists parking on the streets, off streets, seasonal tickets, clamping fees, impounded cars and loading zone.

Officials at the parking section say they have put in measures to address a number of weaknesses that saw the revenue go down.

The measures include planting of inspectors at various places for inspection on their operations.

“We have realized there have been so many masqueraders who were collecting money that never reached our coffers. There will be inspectors in those areas to ensure only genuine officials are on duty,” said officer in charge of parking Tom Tinega.

Last week two people identified as Stephen Kamau Kariuki and Kelvin Karanja were arraigned for posing as County car park attendants. The court was told that on diverse date between November 1, 2013 and January 30, 2014 at Kenda House, the two conspired to defraud the County Government of Sh140,000 by printing 1,000 daily car park receipts purported to be genuine.

Tinega added they also intend to increase security at parking bays to chase away illegal attendants, some of whom are thieves.

In January, seasonal tickets collected Sh49 million while loading zones brought in Sh64 million. Parking on the streets collected Sh27 million.

Other attendants said lack of enough receipt books had seen the council lose millions daily. But Tinega said they have ordered enough receipts to enhance their operations.

“We will improve our services as part of our mandates. We will ensure motorists get value for their cash,” he said.

The council plans to increase the fee to Sh300 from the current Sh140.