This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
On August 14, 2019, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko's administration made a U-turn on its plan to introduce higher taxes, averting a potential court showdown with civil society groups.
According to a legal notice published by Finance and Economic Planning Executive Charles Kerich, Nairobi residents were to start paying increased parking fees, new charges for garbage collection, fire certificates, and inspection for cats and dogs effective July 1.
However, Mr. Sonko appeared to disown the legal notice, stating that he had not signed it and was not consulted on the matter. He emphasized the importance of public participation in enacting finance bills, saying, 'There is no way you can bypass me and the assembly and propose sensitive issues touching on things that affect Wanjiku.'
Mr. Sonko's U-turn comes after the Nairobi County Citizen Assembly filed a case in the High Court seeking to block City Hall from collecting the new levies. The group argued that the Nairobi City County Provisional Collection of Revenue Act of 2013 is unconstitutional and that public participation was not observed in enacting the finance bill.
Yesterday, Mr. Sonko ordered the removal of 'unrealistic charges that burden the common mwananchi.' Key among the levies he asked to be abolished were fees charged for garbage collection in learning institutions and religious bodies, the Sh25 charged for arrival of a chicken into the city from upcountry, and fire inspection certificate charges.
