The public service vehicle operators in Uasin Gishu County have received tax reduction incentives designed to boost the operations of various transportation entities.
Speaking while engaging boda boda officials in Eldoret, Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, noted that the move is a fulfillment of his pre-election pledge to enhance the transport sector.
“The key initiative involves expanding the revenue tax base through the adoption of canons of taxation, with a specific focus on reducing taxes to serve as incentives for citizens,” he said.
Bii said that this move is aimed at improving the affordability of tax payments and fostering a conducive business environment for the transport industry.
He announced the reduction of various charges including monthly motorbike charges. The monthly sticker fee has been reduced from Sh600 to Sh400 in the Eldoret Central Business District (CBD) and from Sh300 to Sh 200 in townships at the sub-county level.
“Impounding charges for motorbikes has been significantly reduced from Sh9, 000 to Sh1, 100 and the storage fees for impounded motorbikes has been adjusted from Sh1000 per hour to Sh1,000 per day,” Bii noted.
The Governor further pointed out that the impounding charges for matatus has been reduced from Sh26, 100 to Sh5, 000 and storage fees for impounded matatus revised from Sh3, 000 per hour to Sh1, 000 per day.
He noted that obstruction fees have been lowered from Sh8, 000 to Sh5, 000.
“Monthly stickers for tuk-tuks has seen a reduction from Sh2,000 to Sh1,200 while monthly stickers for taxis has been adjusted from Sh2,500 to Sh2,200,” Governor Bii said.
“These reductions aim to alleviate the financial burden on operators and improve their overall economic sustainability,” he said.
Governor Bii emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring that the transport sector continues to play a pivotal role in the county’s economic growth.
“This aligns with my vision of creating a vibrant and supportive economic landscape for all citizens,” he noted.
“The adjustments will be effective from 1st February 2024, reflecting the commitment to prompt implementation,” said the county boss.
County boda boda chairman, Nahashon Kemei, noted that the decrease in the monthly taxes paid by the bodaboda riders will allow them to manage the high cost of living they are currently experiencing.
“We appreciate the governor for this as approximately 25,000-30,000 registered riders will benefit from this move,” said Kemei.
He called upon his fellow Boda boda riders to reciprocate by paying the taxes on time noting that since the taxes have been reduced, they will push for 100 percent payment.
By Judy Too and Angela Silayo
