Mandera Revenue Services Facilitates Dialogue on Timely Payment of Transit Fees

Stakeholders in the transportation and sale of potatoes, as well as logistics industry players, at the Kutulo revenue collection barrier have held a meeting with Mandera County Officials. 

Mandera Department of Revenue Services, under the guidance of CECM Finance and Planning Mr. Ibrahim Adan, accompanied by Head of Delivery Unit Mr. Okash Abdullahi and Director Revenue Services CPA. Samow Dakane, convened the meeting on Tuesday. 

During the gathering, CECM Finance Mr. Ibrahim Adan meticulously outlined the key provisions of the Finance Act 2023, emphasizing the importance of adherence to payment protocols outlined within the existing policies and regulations. 

He urged all participants to extend their full cooperation to the government in ensuring prompt payment of transit fees.

He highlighted the vital role such contributions play in sustaining essential services and promoting economic development within the county.

The stakeholders, representing various segments of the transportation and logistics sectors, acknowledged the proactive stance taken by the County Government towards fostering enhanced livelihood growth. 

However, they also voiced their concerns regarding the financial burdens associated with transit fees, citing specific challenges encountered by traders operating within the region.

CECM Finance Mr. Ibrahim Adan affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of stakeholders and reassured them that their feedback would be carefully considered. 

He pledged that the Department of Revenue Services would undertake a thorough review of the existing fee structures and explore potential avenues for offering subsidies or other forms of financial assistance to alleviate the burdens faced by traders.

Mr. Adan said the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the government and stakeholders, underscoring the mutual benefits that arise from such partnerships.

He encouraged all participants to continue engaging constructively in discussions aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the transportation and logistics sectors.

Stakeholders expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to government officials and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at promoting economic prosperity and social development within the county. 

They expressed optimism that through continued collaboration and cooperation, mutually beneficial outcomes could be achieved, ultimately contributing to the overall food security in the county. 

The County is an arid region on the North East most part of Kenya that borders Ethiopia and Somalia to the North and East respectively and face serious challenges of access to food.

The community predominantly practises pastoral nomadism. Pastoralism in the Horn region presents unique challenges with accessing food and this calls for special approaches to ensure regular and sustainable access to food.