Senate seeks to stem high county levies

By MOSES NJAGIH

The Senate wants to stem the arbitrary increase of levies by county governments.

A Motion filed by Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, and awaiting debate when the House resumes business next month, seeks to establish a select committee that will review all the taxes, land rates, business licences, levies and other charges already imposed by counties.

In the Motion, Kiraitu argues that although county governments had enacted County Finance Bills authorising the county executives to raise revenues through various fees and levies, the move had given the devolved governments a leeway to impose levies that are punitive and likely to hurt investments.

 “These levies have dampened entrepreneurial spirit, undermined public confidence in devolved system of government and become a nightmare to the business community, including hawkers, kiosk owners, matatu and boda boda operators,” says Kiraitu in the Motion.

Kiraitu is proposing the formation of a nine-member select committee by the Senate, which will also “review all policies, laws, regulations, rules and practices that create unnecessary obstacles and barriers to trade, business and investment in counties”.

The committee will further recommend policy, legislative, institutional and administrative measures that will remove barriers to trade and investment.