Busia governor insists taxes must be paid
Busia County Budget and Appropriation Committee chairman Godfrey Egesa Odongo (right) at a press briefing January 21, 2014 in which he said controversial proposals in the Finance Bill would be amended following a public outcry. Governor Sospeter Ojamong has maintained that locals must pay taxes to enable his government carry out its functions. “These are just tax proposal which are friendly and people should not oppose them because at the end of the day they need services,” he said. PHOTO/JACOB OWITI.
What you need to know:
- Ojamong however said that the payment of the taxes will be based on what will be agreed upon by the people.
- He said that Kenyans have to be patient with the devolved governments saying that it will take time before people realise the full benefits of devolution.
- The locals will be expected to pay Sh1000 for use of a social hall per session, Sh10,000 for a funeral service , crusade fee of Sh20,000, a wedding fee Sh30,000, Sh5,000 for every church meeting, and Sh200 per family to view a body at a mortuary per day.
- County assembly speaker Bernard Wamalwa said the Bill has not yet been tabled on the floor of the house adding that once it is tabled members of the public will be welcome to give their views.
Busia County governor Sospeter Ojamong has maintained that locals must be ready to pay taxes that are aimed at enabling his government carry out its functions.
He however said that the payment of the taxes will be based on what will be agreed upon by the people.
“These are just tax proposal which are friendly and people should not oppose them because at the end of the day they need services,” said Mr Ojamong.
He said that Kenyans have to be patient with the devolved governments saying that it will take time before people realise the full benefits of devolution.
“People should not panic. Even if you ask the national government what it has achieved today, there is nothing to show as they have to put in place structures first,” the governor said.
The business community led by George Ojiambo has lamented that increase in charges for business permits will drive many traders out of business.
“What we are witnessing is unnecessary hike in charges for business and health permits and I do not believe that we are going to do business just to pay taxes alone. We have other needs,” he said.
POOR INFRATRUCTURE
Mr Ojiambo observed that the country government should be more focused on addressing poor infrastructure in order to attract more investment and not to create environment that is not conducive for business activities.
“Just have a walk in the market; our main bus stage and other roads including the Busia-Malaba road are in pathetic states yet we are supposed to create wealth,” he lamented.
Under the Busia County finance Amendment Bill 2013, several proposals have been made and they could see an increase in taxes by the county government.
The proposed bill seeks to impose additional levies and charges to help boost the county’s revenue.
The locals will be expected to pay Sh1000 for use of a social hall per session, Sh10,000 for a funeral service , crusade fee of Sh20,000, a wedding fee Sh30,000, Sh5,000 for every church meeting, and Sh200 per family to view a body at a mortuary per day.
They will also pay Sh700 for maternity fee, Sh50 for each chicken and duck reared and Sh1000 per dog kept at home per year.
The dog licence fee will be Sh2, 000, Sh500 per cow, Sh200 each for a goat, sheep and pig while parking of trailers will be charged Sh500.
PEOPLE'S VIEWS
Budget and Appropriation Committee chairman Godfrey Odongo said that they are preparing a final report considering the proposal and adjusting it to accommodate the views of the people.
Mr Odongo said that the Bill was presented to the County Assembly in 2013 which passed it with conditions that it be amended immediately.
He added that the county assembly will still have a final say on the Bill once it is brought for debate.
He said that bicycle operators will park for free while motorcycles will be charged Sh10 per day.
Those seeking HIV testing services will have to part with Sh500.
This has been defended by Mr Odongo who said that they consulted health officials before coming up with the proposal.
"How can we pay Sh500 for HIV testing services when governments around the world are encouraging people to voluntarily go for testing to know their status so that they can plan for their future," lamented Mr James Onyango, a resident.
NO VIEWS FROM RELIGIOUS LEADERS
Mr Odongo said his committee has been moving round to collect views and they did not receive views from religious leaders.
He said churches have been paying the rates used by the defunct local authorities and should not complain.
He said fees have been there before the county governments came into existence noting that it is only in Busia where motor bike riders are not taxed
The Busia County government has a budget of Sh4.2 billion and has allocated Sh1.6 billion to development and is seeking to collect Sh230 million annually and is targeting to increase the amount to Sh700 million in the future.
County assembly speaker Bernard Wamalwa said the Bill has not yet been tabled on the floor of the house adding that once it is tabled members of the public will be welcome to give their views.
