Sonko trails Kidero in collecting revenue

Revenue collection by City Hall fell by Sh1 billion in the first 10 months under Governor Mike Sonko, compared to a similar period during the Evans Kidero-led government.

Nairobi collected Sh8.8 billion in the 10 months to June, a 10 per cent fall from Sh9.8 billion generated in a similar period to June 2017.

Fees from parking, building permits, inspection of buildings, land rates and Wakulima Market fell despite election pledges by Mr Sonko to reduce levies while plugging leakages to grow revenues.

Mr Sonko had promised Nairobi residents improved services, digitising most operations and running corrupt cartels out of City Hall.

The governor in the early months of his tenure boosted of a sharp rise in revenue compared to income generated during Mr Kidero’s tenure.

Revenue from parking fees was the hardest hit as Mr Sonko failed to match his promise to cut the charge from Sh300 to Sh150 daily.

This is the biggest revenue stream for City Hall and Mr Sonko’s pledge had raised questions on how his administration would fill the gap.

In December last year, City Hall collected a paltry Sh126 million in parking fees, which was a 36 per cent decline from more Sh199 million collected in December 2016.

Overall, City Hall reported its worst decline month on month revenue collection in December.

The county government got Sh762 million from all revenue streams in December 2017, a drop from more than Sh1 billion collected in a similar period the previous year.

Wakulima Market — the city’s biggest source of fresh farm produce — contributed slightly over Sh250,000 which was a drastic fall from Sh15 million in the same month in 2016.