Traders in Narok County have urged the county government to consider waiving taxes in a bid to cushion the business community from economic slowdown occasioned by the coronavirus outbreak. According to David Mpatiany, Chairman Narok Chamber of Commerce and Industry said many businesses are now struggling with reduced cash flow due to the recent lock down of five counties which are neighboring the county.
In a press conference in his office, Mpatiany said the move will help the traders to start over after being hit by the pandemic for the last one year and called on Narok county Governor, Governor Samuel ole Tunai to intervene and waive on plot rents, land rates, business permits and taxes on the water which is now essential in the fight against COVID-19. The government should also review taxes imposed on electricity as a measure to save people from high economic times currently experienced and urged Kenyans to ensure that they enhance their protection against the deadly virus by adhering to the health protocols which were introduced by the government.
The chairman also called on the police officers to stop taking advantage of the current situation by arresting them by claiming that they have flouted the health guidelines. “The police officers should be humane in the way they conduct the crackdown on those flouting the health protocols. They should not use the current pandemic as a tool to exhort bribes from already overburden Kenyans.
His sentiment was echoed by Director of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Narok county, Hezron Koori, where he urged the Narok residents to exercise caution because the region is bordering the counties declared as a red zone and also neighboring Tanzania saying there is a need to keep a high level of surveillance so that we can prevent deaths arising from this virus.
He added a lot of discipline is required following the regulations set by the department of Health like regular washing of hands and putting on face masks the right way to avert the disease. He called on business people to make sure they put washing points in their business and calls residents not to wear masks because they are seen as police officers and they should do so because they need to help themselves and help the country in the fight against the pandemic. Koori also urged business people to accept being vaccinated so that they can protect themselves.