A section of bodaboda operators from Kisumu have opposed a decision by the county government compelling them to pay Ksh300 monthly tax.
Speaking to the media, the bodaboda riders asked Governor Anyang Nyong’o to reduce the taxes which the county started collecting in April 2024.
Besides, the riders faulted the county for failing to consult them before making the decision and commencing the collection exercise.
“There is no work here, we get few customers some of whom don’t even pay. We are not seeing any signs of getting money and we are asking the government to reduce the tax,” said Victor Odhiambo, a bodaboda operator in Kisumu.
The operators also asked for more time before the decision is implemented, stating that their earnings are currently low.
Some of them also asked for clarifications from the county government regarding cases when their motorbikes are unable to operate due to breakdown.
“In case my motorbike breakdown for a month or two and it has already been registered in the county’s taxation system, how will they assist me so that I don’t accrue huge arrears while I am not working,” another bodaboda rider name Anthony Opiyo asked.
Contribution of BodaBoda to Kisumu County
However, Kisumu County Revenue Board (KCRB) chairman Dr Hezron Makobewa explained that bodaboda representatives were consulted regarding the monthly taxation.
Macobewa explained that the tax was reduced from Ksh500 to Ksh300 monthly to cushion the riders.
He maintained that bodaboda plays a critical role in the county’s economy and delivery of the required services.
“Bodaboda sector is worth Ksh150 to Ksh180 to Kisumu County in terms of revenue collections,” Makobewa said.
“We think that their efforts to actually do this with us is going to enhance service delivery in terms of ensuring that we have got medicine, better roads, hospitals and the governors bursaries can be able to help some of their children.”
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Makobewa Previous Comments
On April 5, Dr Makobewa revealed that the riders should remit Ksh300 monthly, amounting to Sh10 daily from April 1, 2024.
He further praised the county for adopting cashless payment systems and the riders for agreeing to comply with the directive and the tax amount resulting in smoother revenue collection processes.
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“Through engagement at all levels, including county, sub-county, and ward levels, we’ve achieved consensus,” Dr Makobewa noted.
The county assembly revised the tax downwards following complaints by the bodaboda operators over the fee.
He said the Board will conduct awareness campaigns among riders regarding the monthly fee.
Makobewa explained that the county is keen to increase own-source revenue for development projects.
