In a bid to enhance revenue collection and hit her annual target, the Trans Nzoia County government is set to erect Cess collection points at all its border points.
Trade County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Stanley Kirui says the intention of the county is to generate more own source revenue.
“As a County, we have not been collecting enough Cess from our produce and that is why we are moving with speed to erect between eight and nine Cess collection points in our borders,” Kirui said.
The Cess points which are meant to generate at least Ksh100 million are to be erected at Moi’s Bridge, Tugoin, Suam, Kesegon, Musharage and Index.
The county charges a 1% Cess of the market price of the product per bag.
Packing fees for non-local lorries
Further, the Trade County Executive stated that the county leadership is proposing to increase packing fees, especially for non-local lorries in order to protect local traders.
The proposal is currently in the county Executive and once it is approved, it will be tabled in the County Assembly. If passed by the MCAs, the proposal will be assented into law by Governor George Natembeya.
“This proposed bill targets lorries that come from as far as Mombasa. We want to protect local traders so that they can enjoy a conducive business environment,” he added.
Currently, a lorry with over 10 tonnes capacity is charged Ksh1,200 parking fees per day.
In the 2023/2024 Financial year, Trans Nzoia County targets to generate Ksh500 million through its own source revenue.
When he took over the leadership of Trans Nzoia County, Governor Natembeya fulfilled his promise to reduce boda boda stickers from Ksh3,600 to Ksh500 shillings per year.
Early this year, the County also reduced small traders’ daily levies from Ksh40 to Ksh20. These initiatives are meant to net more traders to pay revenues.