Nairobi made Sh138m in January parking fees
Nairobi County Government collected Sh138 million in January this year which is seven times more than what it collected over the same period last year, thanks to the new digital parking fees payment system.
Service provider Jambo Pay on Thursday dismissed reports that parking revenue had dropped since the electronic system was introduced on September 1 last year.
“There are cartels out to discredit Nairobi County’s digital parking fees collection,” Jambo Pay Chief Officer Danson Muchemi said.
“Contrary to reports that parking revenue collection has dropped, the county is collecting more money than last year,” Mr Muchemi added.
According to Nairobi data base, he said, the county only collected Sh20,000 million over the same period last year.
CARTELS
“Those claiming revenue has gone down are cartels that no longer have room to steal. They are not giving incorrect information citing false reports to make us look inefficient.”
Mr Muchemi said added the system has also revealed how some officials were fleecing the county.
According to Jambo Pay, 2,547 vehicles did not pay for parking on Thursday but only 30 vehicles were reported to have been clamped.
Mr Muchemi added that they were currently operating at 43 per cent although the county could do more if all vehicles are made to pay.
Since September last year, the company has collected a total of Sh660 million in parking fees alone.
The company that also collects land rates, house rents, market rates and single business permits has made Sh2.09 billion since it digitized Nairobi’s revenue collection.
“At times, several officers who collect revenue have refused to allow individuals to pay rates through the e-payment system and reverted to taking cash just to discredit the new system,” he lamented.
A number of parking attendants opposed the system was it was launched since it reduces cash interface between them and motorists.
MORE CLAMPS
Enforcement has been slow even after City Hall procured an extra 500 clamps on Tuesday.
The clamps were expected to be distributed in 10 zones with 200 going to a section of the Central Business District that includes Harambee Avenue, Taifa Road, Biashara Street and Moi Avenue.