Governors lock horns over town’s revenue collection

A section of Keroka town that is at the centre of a long-running boundary dispute. Leaders from the two counties have mounted pressure to resolve the row.  [PHOTO: NAFTAL MAKORI/STANDARD]

By NAFTAL MAKORI

Nyamira, Kenya: Conflict between Kisii and Nyamira county governments has deepened as both compete to collect revenue from the border town of Keroka.

For over a year now, governors James Ongwae of Kisii and John Nyagarama of Nyamira have been embroiled in a tussle to control the management of the town.

Political leaders from the two counties were yesterday holed up in a meeting at a Nairobi hotel to deliberate on the sensitive boundary dispute, which is feared could degenerate into a crisis. 

Among those invited to the closed door meeting were some county executive committee members, the two governors, senators and MPs from the two counties.

Recent attempts by Kisii County government last week to send revenue collectors to the town were resisted by a group of youths opposed to the move.  Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi said the conflict was fast degenerating into a security issue.

The larger percentage of the town lies in Nyamira County, which collects revenue from the entire town, part of which lies in Kisii County. 

“As leaders, we must sit together and iron out the differences before it is too late. I must admit that the matter is degenerating into a security issue,” Mr Maangi said.

There have been reports that some unscrupulous individuals have been taking advantage of the state of uncertainty among traders to collect revenue in the town using fake receipts. 

The town’s revenue, which totals to about Sh2 million a month, has continued to decline as a section of traders, especially from Kisii side, refuse to remit money to revenue collectors from Nyamira.   

Charles Moseti, who was recently employed by the county government of Nyamira as the town administrator said the town is peaceful except for a few individuals who have been inciting the traders against each other.

“There was lack of order last week but normalcy has returned,” said Mr Moseti.

Budget allocations

Mr Nyagarama in his county allocations last year allocated Keroka Sh200 million for development.

Nyagarama had said Sh50 million had been set aside for street lighting, opening drainage, construction of slaughter houses, improvement of roads and garbage collection in the town, which he had been accused of neglecting.

“We have given Keroka priority because it is key in revenue collection. More money will be diverted there if need be,” Nyagarama said.

Mr Ongwae also said his government had set aside Sh30 million for the town’s development.

“I have not neglected the town, that is why I have allocated Sh30 million for development. Revenue collected should be managed jointly to offer services in the town. Ultimately, what we want is service delivery to our people,” said Ongwae during a funeral in Ichuni.