Matatu and bodaboda operators in Eldoret town have hit out at the Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich for effecting a 16 per cent tax on petroleum products.
This is despite the National Assembly passing a resolution to have the extra levy implemented in 2020.
The operators now say the move will not only increase the cost of living among Kenyans but also force them to increase their fares.
They said the burden will be unbearable and they will have no option but to pass it to the consumers.
“It's sad that despite the National Assembly suspending the 16 per cent tax by two years, the Cabinet Secretary went against it. He should be shown the door for disrespecting parliament,” said Kesses bodaboda Sacco chairman Oscar Shikanga in Eldoret town, Saturday.
“At the moment we have no option rather than increasing our fares by at least 100 per cent to cater for the increment,” added John Kipkorir, a Chepkoilel Matatu Sacco driver.
This means locals in Eldoret town might be forced to pay a Sh60 fare for the town service vehicles up from the current Sh30.
The operators have however appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene and save Kenyans from further sufferings that will be as a result of the increase in tax on petroleum products.
Members of Parliament on Thursday voted to defer implementation of the 16 per cent extra tax on fuel but the Treasury has insisted that it will take effect Saturday, September 1, 2018.
#hivisasaoriginal