NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 29 – The Nairobi County Government has proposed the construction of fire stations at Kangemi and Gikomba markets to curb losses as a result of fires.
Speaking on Thursday during the reading of the budget reading for the 2023/2024 Financial Year, Finance County Executive Charles Kerich allocat3ed Sh120 million for the project.
“In the recent past we have witnessed destruction of property due to fire; I will also be requesting that this house approves Sh120 million towards construction of fire stations in Kangemi and Gikomba,” he said.
The county has also allocated Sh730 million for construction of various markets within the County.
Additionally, Sh100 million has been allocated for reallocation of informal traders from main streets for maintaining order and dignity in the streets of Nairobi.
Kerich added the county plans to impose increment and new charges in restructuring of the Single Business Permit codes by introducing new parameters (hyper, mega, large, medium, small and mini) for classification of business.
This is to enhance fairness, compliance, and revenues.
The new parameters will be charged as follows, Hyper – Supermarket at Sh40,000 Mega Supermarkets at Sh30,000 Large Butchery shop or retail service at Kshs.4,000 Kiosk at Sh1,000,” he said.
“All shops and retail services in Nairobi City County Owned Markets at Sh2,000.”
He also stated that there will be an increase of betting shops and pool tables charges to control betting activities and enhance revenue.
Kerich added that to boost the above-mentioned strategies, the county will be creating awareness on all the county levies for citizens to pay, how to pay, deadlines and consequences of being in default.
“We shall also ensure prompt billing and serving of demand notices combined with continuous inspections and enforcement to ensure compliance. We shall provide necessary tools to facilitate collection, inspection and enforcement of revenue,” he said.
