Governor Mutua scraps levies on hawkers, matatus ahead of election
Machakos County Governor Alfred Mutua has scrapped levies to small-scale traders in the county, 41 days to the general election.
Dr Mutua on Tuesday directed the Ministry of Finance and Revenue Management in the county to stop the collection of specific levies.
Among the levies suspended include fees paid by hawkers, small scale vegetable retailers (Mama Mboga) and small scale cereal vendors fees.
Market cess for livestock, bus park fees for matatus, Tuk Tuk, and boda boda riders have also been suspended.
BENEVOLENCE
Mitumba traders in all markets will also benefit from the benevolence.
The directive takes effect from Wednesday 28th June, 2017.
“This order is meant to protect vulnerable members of our business community and grow our local economy. All revenue collection and enforcement agencies have been informed about the decision,” said Dr Mutua.
Dr Mutua, who addressed a press conference at his Machakos office, also directed that all penalties for Single Business Permits rates charged to salons, shops, barber shops, shoe shiners, kiosks, M-Pesa shops be lifted immediately.’
“My Government shall not increase any fees on Single Business Permits. Any officer found charging increased fees or harassing traders should be reported to the relevant office for immediate disciplinary action,” said governor Mutua.
Governor Mutua made the announcement in the presence of the County Executive for Finance Elizabeth Mutheu, acting County Secretary Grace Munguti and Finance Chief Officer Jacinta Masila .