This archive report was first published on 9 June 2020.
On June 8, 2020, Kwale County Governor Salim Mvurya announced a 30-day extension of tax waivers to support businesses struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move aims to cushion businesses from the economic slowdown caused by the outbreak. The initial 60-day waiver ended last week.
According to Governor Mvurya, the decision to extend the waivers was informed by the poor business environment and the ongoing health crisis. He noted that many businesses were still struggling with reduced cash flow.
The governor announced the extension of waivers on penalties for land rates and interest rates for single businesses, suspension of charges for market entry fees, and suspension of market stall fees.
Other measures include the suspension of monthly parking fees for Matatus, Tuk Tuks, and Boda bodas and the suspension of daily parking fees for private motor vehicles.
Additionally, Governor Mvurya announced the reopening of all open-air markets and livestock markets, which were closed three months ago due to the pandemic.
The reopening of the markets will follow guidelines developed by the public health department.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had lifted the cessation of movement in Kwale on Sunday, which was aimed at curbing further spread of the pandemic.
However, the president extended the cessation of movement in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera but lifted that of Kwale and Kilifi counties following a decline in infections.
