The Governor’s Warning
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru warned bar owners over their two-year tax arrears and made it clear that her administration will not tolerate any defiance of tax-related laws.
No Negotiations with Tax Evaders
Waiguru announced that the county will not be negotiating with tax evaders and stated that by May, the affected operators will be expected to clear the Sh100 million arrears without fail. She emphasized the importance of tax compliance and promised to stay committed to collecting taxes.
Low Revenue Collection
Waiguru decried the low revenue collection in Kirinyaga, with the county collecting less than 30% of the revenue target. She blamed the problem on tax defiance and lack of cooperation from some of the operators.
Crackdown Continues
Waiguru announced that the ongoing crackdown to shut down unlicensed bars in the county is proving to be productive and will continue until all operators fully comply. In the past two days, some bar operators have paid their operational and license fees amounting to Sh19 million, showing that they have the financial capacity to clear their fees.
No Exceptions
Waiguru warned that her administration will not spare anyone who owes the county and will not negotiate with tax evaders. She emphasized that all traders are subject to the county laws and must follow them to the letter.
Warnings to Non-Compliant Operators
Waiguru warned non-compliant operators who feel stifled by the county laws to look for other counties with ‘friendlier policies’ to operate from. She stated that Kirinyaga is governed by laws passed and approved by law-making organs and those who are not ready to follow them should look for other counties to do business.
Compliance Leads to Stable Funds
Waiguru emphasized that if all operators comply, the county will have ready funds to complete stalled projects and address the many county-related needs.
Beware of Misleading Leaders
Waiguru cautioned bar operators to be wary of their association’s leaders and to keep away from brokers. She advised the bar operators to elect leaders who best understand their pain and not brokers who mislead them not to pay taxes.
Commissioning of Road Network
Waiguru spoke in Mwea during the commissioning of a 200-kilometer road network that is scheduled to be constructed across the constituency. She stated that the work should be completed in a month and that her administration has provided the necessary machinery to undertake the project.
