Industrial Area Chapter
Criminal Activities Thwarted
In our effort to crack down on
criminals in Industrial Area and make it safer for doing business, the chapter
is closely working with key law enforcement agencies to realize this objective.
During the month, four cases of extortionists were reported and the culprits
apprehended by the police and senior government agencies in charge. We
appreciate the efforts by members to report any cases of bribery, unwarranted
harassment especially during routine inspection by officers from different
departments or fraudsters masquerading as bona fide officers. In this regard,
you are encouraged to report any such incidences to the chapter office for
quick response; your confidentiality is assured at all times. Furthermore, we
urge you to report known crime-spots so that the police can increase patrols in
such areas to minimize crime cases. Our commitment is to ensure that we
identify, apprehend and prosecute criminal gangs terrorizing civilians and
businesses in our areas of operations.
Increased Land Rates in Nairobi County Challenged
The Kenya Alliance for Residents Association held a consultative forum on 1st April to discuss the increased land rates in Nairobi by the county government. Most speakers during the forum, including KARA’s CEO Mr. Mutoro, the chairman, Mr. Richard Nyaga, among others argued that the increment was inappropriately done and unjustifiable. They urged the county government to seriously consider the views from the city residents before making such decisions that directly affect not only the cost of living of the residents but the cost of doing business. Land owners pass any taxes down to the tenants, which eventually strain their income further, making life unbearable. KAM noted that investors are likely to consider the Kenya investment-hostile due to the high and unpredictable land rates, on top of a myriad of other levies by both the county and central governments. On their part, Mr. Peter Mureithi from the lands office at the Nairobi county government and Ms. Janeth, the deputy chief valuer argued that the increment was necessary as the county has to fund development projects, an argument that participants challenged. The views of the majority were that there was need for the county government to boost service delivery before demanding for more taxes from the already overburdened taxpayers. Even though there is a court order barring the collection of the new 34% rates, Mr. Mureithi stressed that the 3% monthly penalty for late payment will apply for defaulters, that is, if the outcome of the case currently in court will be in their favour. For more information on this, contact the chapter officer via email or phone.
Tree Planting Along Mombasa Road Walk
The KAM Industrial Area Chapter is working with Taj Shopping Mall and the Nairobi City County government to beautify Mombasa road from the airport and surrounding roads in its campaign to beautify the city. A networking forum was held at the Mall on 28th May in preparation for a tree planting walk campaign scheduled for 4th of May. Details on how you can participate will be communicated in due course by the chapter officer.
Upcoming Events
Kenya Power - Manufactures’ Consultative Forum
In its efforts to ensure sufficient and consistent power supply, the Kenya power and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers are organizing for a consultative forum with manufacturers in Industrial Area. The date and venue for the meeting will be communicated in due course. In the meantime, forward your power supply challenges for support.
Have You Paid Your 2014 Subscription Fees?
As you are aware, KAM relies on members’ subscription fees to sustain its core business and advocacy operations. Have you paid your 2014 fees? If not, kindly make an effort to pay as soon as possible. For those who have cleared, we are grateful for the support.
Investment Quote of the Month: “The underlying principles of sound investment should not alter from decade to decade, but the application of these principles must be adapted to significant changes in the financial mechanisms and climate.”–Benjamin Graham.