Nakuru-based Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance Organization(CEDGG) in partnership with Institute of Economic Affairs, Nakuru County Civil Society Organizations Forum and Nakuru County Government – has commenced Evidence Based Tax Policy Advocacy.
The aim of the advocacy is to ensure the County Government comes up with a Taxation Policy that will inform taxation guidelines.
Speaking on Wednesday May 15, 2024, during a Focus Group Discussion with County Stakeholders and community representatives from the areas of focus, CEDGG’s Program Officer Wilkister Akinyi said the conversations are key towards formulation of a tax policy at the county level.
She revealed that, as Organization implementing the project, they will be engaging stakeholders at grassroot from all the five focus sectors of taxation.
This will help in data collection through various stakeholders’ meetings on the same.
While noting the obligation that citizens have on matters taxation to facilitate development, Wilkister called on all Nakuru Residents to ensure they take part in the process of formulating key finance policies.
She added that even as citizens pay taxes, they should also follow up and ensure that it reflects in development in various sectors.
“We are doing all these so that we can help Nakuru County Government to come up with a policy on taxation which as we talk now is not in place. This is a policy that will go a long way in giving proper guidelines when it comes to taxation and inform effective service delivery,” she said.
Sentiments echoed by Peter Rono from Centre for Transformational Leadership(CTL).
He pointed out the need for citizens to be involved in the formulation of tax policy as they are the recipients of development that comes through taxation as revenue for Government.
“There is great need to involve citizen in the whole process of formulating this taxation policy for this will enhance development at grassroot level,” he said.
The taxation area of focus in the project include property Tax and Land rates, Entertainment Tax, Public Health and Safety, Agricultural Produce Tax and Business Tax.
During the meeting, stakeholders from various sectors decried numerous gaps that should be addressed by county government of Nakuru towards enhancement of revenue collection.
Moving forward, there shall be more sensitization meetings at community level.
This will follow with a validation meeting for stakeholders before a report is made with recommendations to County Government towards informing County Taxation Policy.
In attendance were officials from County Revenue Directorate and Trade Department.
Author: Pristone Mambili
A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.