Kericho governor disbands county’s revenue collection agency over indiscipline

Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony has disbanded the county’s revenue collection agency over indiscipline.

The governor’s actions were triggered by a public uproar over a Friday incident in which the unit’s officers threw a spike at a speeding matatu, resulting in the death of two people.

Fourteen others have been treated and discharged.

Prof Chepkwony, who arrived on Tuesday from the United States where he was attending an international trade meeting, ordered the County Public Service Board to hire new officers for the disbanded County Revenue Enforcement Unit.

This were previously known as council askaris.

“The tragic event was unfortunate and should never have happened. All the county officers who were involved will face charges,” he said on Wednesday.

The governor also announced that he would approach the National Youth Service to train a new set of officers.

The unit is tasked with ensuring that traders and Public Service Operators (PSV), including matatus and motorcyclists, pay the moneys levied on them by the county government.

LOST OUR LIVES

There was an outcry across the county after news broke out that the two – an elderly woman and a middle aged man – lost their lives as an askari threw a spike under a matatu which was carrying them on Friday.

The askaris are said to have been pursuing the Bomet-bound 10-seater vehicle after its crew allegedly picked up a passenger from an undesignated place in Kericho Town when the incident occurred.

Speaking at the Kericho County Hospital where 14 people who were injured during the incident were treated and either discharged or referred to other facilities, Prof Chepkwony appealed for calm.

“We have told the public service board to start the recruitment of other officers to the agency. We have asked that those who have done this kind of job before be given priority and should have at least a secondary school certificate,” said the Kericho governor.

“I will engage the National Youth Service to arrange for the training of the individuals identified so that we get a disciplined outfit which can carry out its duties in a humane and professional manner,” he added.

To improve collection of revenue and avoid clashes of businessmen with county officers, the governor said, the county would automate its systems.