This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
As of Tuesday, Nairobi residents will have the opportunity to share their views on the proposed service charges outlined in the 2019/2020 finance bill. The bill, which was read on July 3, includes several new charges, such as a Sh400 parking fee in commercial areas, up from the current Sh300, and Sh200 in residential areas. Pet owners will also be required to pay a new Sh1,000 license fee.
Additionally, online businesses and gamblers will be subject to taxes as the Nairobi County Government seeks to meet its Sh17.32 billion revenue collection target. The public participation process will run for four weeks, with the first session taking place at Uhuru Gardens Primary School in Langata Sub County on Tuesday.
Residents from Kibra and Langata are expected to attend the session, which will begin at 11:00 am. The next session will be held at St John's Catholic Church in Dagoretti North next week, followed by a session at the Kayole social hall on August 13 for Eastland's residents.
The final session will be held at Kariokor social hall on August 16, targeting residents from Starehe, Kamkunji, Makadara, Mathare, and Ruaraka constituencies. According to Robert Mbatia, chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, the public's views will be taken into account when adjusting the bill.
“Residents have been feeling that they are over-taxed, and this is the perfect time for them to give their views so that we can take them into account,” Mbatia stated.
