This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
Nairobi County residents are set to face a new tax burden, with the proposed Nairobi County Finance Bill 2019 aiming to increase revenue for the county government.
According to the bill, residents will have to pay Ksh. 50 for every chicken they slaughter in their homes, a move that has sparked criticism from residents.
The bill also proposes a monthly tax of Ksh. 100 for individuals living in slums, as well as a monthly revenue payment of Ksh. 10,000 for churches and mosques.
“Even churches and mosques that have never been taxed in any part of the world, will now have to pay revenues to the government, therefore we will mobilise the churches and mosques to reject this bill,” said Rajab Mohamed, a Kibera resident.
Market vendors, known as Mama Mboga’s, will also have to pay Ksh. 200 per week to the county government, with a fine of Ksh. 50 for any delay.
The bill has been met with widespread criticism, with some residents expressing concerns over the lack of awareness and public participation in the process.
A meeting held last week in Lang’ata Constituency to seek public participation into the bill was attended by only 18 people, despite being intended to represent 10 wards from Lang’ata and Kibra constituencies.
Sidi Otieno of the Bunge La Mwananchi has since filed a petition to stop the bill, citing concerns over its implementation.
