Khisero MP Christopher Aseka has faulted the Kakamega County Government for its intention to introduce land rates on freehold land under the valuation roll in the proposed 2025/2026 financial year.
The MP, who led his constituents in rejecting the proposal, said they will not allow the county government to tax land bequeathed to them by their parents.
This comes hot on the heels of Members of County Assembly (MCA’s) passing the Bill despite opposition from local residents during public participation forums.
“If you want to tax, confine that tax to commercial buildings in Kakamega town not here in Kwhisero,” he said.
Aseka, while speaking from his constituency, faulted MCA’s for passing the Bill, saying they need to go back and repeal that clause, saying it will hurt the ordinary mwananchi.
But in a rejoinder, Kakamega County Governor Fernandez Barasa insisted that freehold agricultural land in the county is exempt from land rates.
He dismissed as propaganda claims that the valuation roll passed by the County Assembly has imposed rates of freehold and agricultural land.
“Some politicians have been spreading rumours that the county is going to take your land, I want to state here that County Government of Kakamega will not repossess any land,” he said
“The valuation roll that was passed by the County Assembly is for commercial property only, agricultural and freehold land is not ratable,” assured the governor.
At the same time, the Khisero legislator also took issue with persistent chronic shortages of drugs being experienced in Kakamega County.
He told the MCAs to petition the Governor on why there were no drugs in public hospitals in Kakamega County.
“Most patients seeking medical services are examined and later referred to private clinics to buy medicines,” claimed the MP.
By George Kaiga
