Residents in Kiambu County have rejected a proposal by Governor Ferdinand Waititu to raise levies charged on numerous services.

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Through the county Finance CeC Mburu Kang'ethe, Waititu had sought to raise levies for motorists, traders and business persons in the real estate sector. The proposals are contained in the Kiambu Finance Bill 2018/2019.

The county government proposed the levies as a means of raising revenue collection to Sh2.7 billion from the current Sh1.6 billion.

Waititu's administration held a public participation forum in Thika, Ruiru and Kikuyu towns on Thursday to discuss the new levies. In all the centres, residents rejected all the proposals demanding an explanation of how the rates were arrived at.

All the forums were marred with high tempers after the finance committee failed to provide a solid explanation on the formulae used to set up the new rates.

Thika District Business Association Chairman Alfred Wanyoike stated that the new measures were not drafted with the interest of residents at heart but as a punishment. Wainyike said that the proposals would disrupt businesses in the county if implemented.

 “Any new proposed levies must be scrapped and the rest capped at 10 per cent increment,” said Mr Wanyoike.

He pointed out that Thika town contributes over 50 per cent of the entire county revenue and residents should be considered when coming up with new regulations.

Locals are now awaiting the next move by the county following the unanimous rejection.