GOVERNOR URGES BODABODA RIDERS TO JOIN SACCOS

H.E. Hon. FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya has advised motorcycle
riders from Kakamega County to form or/and join cooperative Saccos to be able to benefit from government funds allocated to the kitty by the County government of Kakamega. The governor has further urged the operators to observe the law, be disciplined and pay taxes as required of
them by the government.

H.E. the governor was speaking today when he met representatives of motorcycle operators (bodaboda) from all the 60 wards across the county at Kakamega Social Hall, Kakamega town.

“The government does not engage in any kind of business whatsoever as the revenue we get through taxes is ploughed back to you by way of service
provision’’, he explained.

The governor cited the socio-economic development trend of the county since inception of devolution in 2013 to the current situation as proof enough of the county’s economic growth hence the need for residents to pay
taxes diligently to enjoy improved services.

“We have achieved this milestone because of the close cooperation and
assistance we have had from all stakeholders including you, and now I
urge you once more not to tire but roll up your sleeves as we brace
ourselves to develop this county”, he said.

“In this year’s budget we have set aside Kshs. 10 million to boost and
strengthen Cooperative societies so as to empower you financially; that is the way to go”, said the governor.

Governor Oparanya said his administration has incorporated a good number of unemployed youths and women from all the sub counties into the government system under the County Youth Service and Women Empowerment programme
as a way of providing opportunities for them to spur economic growth
even further and assisting them acquire meaningful income.

“However, not everyone can be employed by the government
hence my efforts to also provide conducive and favorable conditions for
businesses to thrive in the county’, he added.

The governor cautioned the operators against listening to incitement from politicians not pay taxes terming such leaders as
dishonest and self centered seeking political mileage from such
populist pronouncements. Each operator is supposed to pay a yearly fee
of Kshs. 1000 as tax as stipulated in the county Finance Bill. He
promised to sponsor their leadership to Rwanda for benchmarking purposes in the East African country where observance of the law is the order of the day with regards to
the motorcycle transport system. The County government of Kakamega has trained and licensed the riders on road safety.

In attendance also were CECMs, Chief Officers, County Secretary Madam
Jacinta Aluoch Odhiambo, Chief of Staff Robert Sumbi, Advisors,
Personal Assistant to the Governor, Herbert Sore as well as Sub county and
ward administrators, among others.