The Cutting Edge

GIVE US A TAX BREAK. The many Kenyans expecting their fortunes to change following the promulgation of the new Constitution include Nairobi businessman H. J. Adam, who has a request to make to the authorities . He would like Kenya Revenue Authority boss Michael Waweru to liaise with his superiors and explore the possibility of granting a tax amnesty to struggling businesses that are in arrears on their payments “so that they can start on a clean slate” just like the brand new republic that has been ushered in.

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BUILD MORE SCHOOLS. The best way to reduce the endemic traffic jams in Nairobi, which are aggravated by parents dropping off and picking up their children from far away schools, is to build many good schools and have children attend only those in their areas, Eston Ndekere proposes. “The current set-up where many parents have to crisscross the city daily in school runs is a big problem. With such zoning, parents can build and develop their schools to their own liking. I am sure this can work with the new Constitution, which is creating county governments.”

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THEY’RE HIGH-TECH. The Higher Education Loans Board is firmly in the electronic age, remarks Eddah Muthoni Mwangi, impressed that one can easily track one’s loan repayment. However, she adds, that achievement is being reversed by failure to update statements. “The service is wanting despite having account administrators who can be reached online. I will appreciate it if my account is updated to capture my payment of Sh3,332 in January last year,” says Eddah, whose registration is No B04/0294/98. Her email is eddahmuthoni@yahoo.com.

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BILL TOO HIGH. After KPLC installed electricity at his mother’s house in Kitale, Kiplimo Kosgey says he continued paying her monthly bills promptly. However, on August 14, he was stunned to receive a Sh3,556 bill, “which is more than four times what I normally pay for my consumption in Nakuru”. And unlike his mother, who uses the power for lighting only, Kiplimo says, he has a number of electrical gadgets. Can the KPLC shed light on this? His mother’s account is No 3139459-01 and his contact, Tel 0722463999.

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DANGEROUS DIVERSION. The China Road and Bridge Company has just built a diversion with kali bumps just north of Ridgeways, moans Brian Stutchbury. “It slows traffic down considerably. Normally, we’ve five-kilometre tailbacks with matatus rushing past on both sides – unless there’s a cop on a motorbike nearby – so it will get worse once schools reopen. They should complete the stretch across the busy Kiambu Road and remove the diversion and bumps. Perhaps, the Roads minister can take a personal interest in the project at this point?”

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PLASTIC MENACE. Environmentally conscious Nairobi resident Betsy Namisi is appalled about the decision by soda manufacturers to introduce plastic bottles, apparently phasing out the glass ones, especially in supermarkets and other outlets. On this one, she is in no doubt that Coca Cola and the others are wrong. Says she: “With the glass bottles, one feels compelled to keep them for future exchange or for use. The plastic ones simply end up discarded on the streets. The companies should rethink this decision,” urges Betsy.

Have a litter-free day, won’t you!

E-mail: watchman@nation.co.ke or write to Watchman, POB 49010, Nairobi 00100. Fax 2213946.