Bungoma traders set for a tax holiday

By Peter Ochieng 

Traders in Bungoma county are in the coming months expected to enjoy a tax holiday, if governor Ken Lusaka's plans for them come to pass.

Lusaka says his administration has already crafted tax relief regulations, awaiting the County Assembly's approval before taking effect.

"We are introducing tax holidays to cushion our traders and boost their enterprises.The economy is tough," said Lusaka.

He spoke on Thursday at St. Josephs Bukirimo Secondary School in Kimaeti Ward, during a development oriented tour, where he disclosed that his administration will deliver, in due course on the pledge to upgrade of markets in the county.

Myanga market is among those earmarked for upgrade.

The county boss gave a personal contribution of 150 iron sheets and 100 bags of cement to help in the completion of the school's laboratory.

In neighbouring Busia county, governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma says his administration has faced a number of teething challenges, including inadequate drugs, poor health facilities, difficulties in taking children to school, low income and unemployment among the youth, promising to improve going forward.

Otuoma said it was the responsibility of any government, whether county or national, to endeavour to solve problems facing the electorate.

"Because we have looked at the whole system, from drugs supply, ordering and budgetary allocation and all that is concerned. This is the reason my deputy Arthur Odera is held up in Nairobi trying to address the problem of lack of drugs in our hospitals."

The former Funyula MP added that those who have failed in their responsibilities especially in the health sector, should prepare to go home.

The first term county boss spoke when he joined other mourners in biding farewell to the late Susie Ikapolok Akisa Ekwenye, in Katakwa, Teso North.

She is mother to Paul Olung'a Ekwenye, Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of sports and culture in the county government of Busia.