Blow to Sakaja as MCAs extend public participation on Finance Bill for 30 days

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja at Uhuru Park on September 10, 2023. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

In the Bill, traders will be required to pay a Sh50 fee to the county, up from the present Sh20.

During the debate in the assembly, politics played out between the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza MCAs. Azimio forms the majority side in the county assembly.

The Kenya Kwanza side faced a rough time in their attempt to oppose the motion seeking an extension of implementation of the Bill.

Minority Whip Mark Macharia, who is from the Kenya Kwanza side, opposed the extension stating that the recently approved Sh42.3 budget needed to be financed.

"We cannot bring a budget and instead of looking for ways of financing the same budget, we pretend because this money is not going to anyone's pocket," Macharia said.

Majority Leader Peter Imwatok said extending the implementation of the Bill does not close the window for the Executive to engage the Budget Committee fully to ensure the public interest is taken care of.

"I have been in public participation forums for the last three sessions and the public has raised many issues that need to be considered," Nominated MCA Fatiya Mohammed observed, adding; "The city residents feel that the Finance Bill does not serve their interests as it is now. That is why we are asking for an extension because we need to consider the public interest."