Marsabit: Marsabit Municipality has begun collecting parking fees in Marsabit Town, triggering protests, with county officials defending the charges as legally provided for under the County Finance Act, while an advocate and residents have challenged the move.
According to Kenya News Agency, Marsabit Chief Officer for Lands and Urban Development, Galm Guyo, stated that the parking charges are sanctioned under the Finance Act, which underwent public participation and was subsequently approved by the County Assembly. He emphasized that the municipality was merely operationalizing provisions that had already been approved and noted that these charges were not a new revenue stream introduced by the municipality.
Guyo explained that the municipality had delayed the implementation of the parking fees due to logistical challenges but had now undertaken public participation and sensitization with stakeholders before commencing collection. He encouraged motorists and residents to make payments electronically through designated pay bill systems rather than paying cash to revenue officers. The charges are set at Sh50 per day for small vehicles and boda bodas, Sh100 for shuttles, Sh200 for buses, and Sh500 for trucks and lorries, with arrangements for monthly payments also being made.
He warned against corruption by revenue officers, stating that any officers found engaging in corrupt practices would face administrative action. He also urged residents not to engage in corrupt dealings with county officials.
Marsabit Town Administrator Boru Golicha added that the revenue collected would contribute to the development and improvement of services in the municipality. He stated that the parking charges were also intended to promote order and sanity in the town, particularly in the management of vehicles and parking spaces. Golicha urged residents to view the charges as a contribution towards improving their town rather than as a punitive measure.
Meanwhile, advocate and Marsabit resident John Behailu has strongly opposed the introduction of the parking fees, arguing that the municipality had not followed the required legislative process. Behailu claimed that the municipality did not have sole authority to introduce the charges and that the matter should have gone through the County Assembly, including public participation involving motorists and other members of the public.
Behailu raised concerns about the adequacy of research and consultation supporting the charges, particularly regarding the amounts imposed on different categories of vehicles. He also highlighted issues with the number of designated parking spaces, saying they were insufficient for the number of vehicles using Marsabit Town, and questioned the lack of clearly designated parking areas for boda boda operators.
He called for the municipality to suspend the collection immediately and warned of potential legal action if the process continued without the necessary legislative and administrative procedures. The advocate also criticized the municipality’s revenue collection system, advocating for a more comprehensive digital payment platform capable of automatically generating receipts and improving accountability.
On a related note, Marsabit Municipality Board Chairman Adan Wario mentioned that the municipality had begun cleaning solid waste from drainage channels ahead of the expected rains. Wario pointed out that poor waste disposal by residents was contributing significantly to blocked drainage systems, resulting in flooding of roads, businesses, and homes. He said the municipality would intensify public sensitization through media platforms and a vehicle fitted with a public address system to educate residents on proper waste disposal. He also mentioned efforts to improve pedestrian safety by covering open drainage channels.
The competing positions have brought renewed attention to the need for clear legislative procedures, public participation, transparent revenue collection, and improved parking and drainage infrastructure as Marsabit Municipality seeks to strengthen its revenue base and improve service delivery.
