Matatu operators in Chuka town, Tharaka Nithi County have boycotted paying parking fees and ejected county revenue officers out of the bus-stop accusing them of wanton corruption.
The matatu operators faulted the revenue officers of altering the multimillion automated parking fee collection system that is supposed to register every vehicle entering and leaving the stage in order to curb theft.
Speaking to the reporters, Mr Eric Mutembei, a stage clerk said the officers also receive bribes in order to allow some vehicles to pick and drop passengers along the Meru-Nairobi highway while those in the main stage remain idle.
“We have decided to stop paying parking fees until the corrupt officers are transferred from this bus-stop and the automated machine restored,” said Mr Mutembei.
He added that the corrupt officers receive half of the fee from some vehicles which they don’t issue receipts.
Mr Peter Kimathi, a driver faulted the senior county government officers for failing to address the issues even after receiving numerous complaints.
He said Governor Muthomi Njuki automated the paying system in order to curb theft of money that is supposed to develop the county and that they will not continue enriching few rouge individuals at the expense of the county residents.
“The revenue officers must have intentionally interfered with the automated system to make it impossible to know the exact number of vehicles entering and leaving the stage which should tally with the money collected,” said Mr Muthomi.
Spoilt multimillion automated parking fee-paying system in Chuka town bus-stage. PHOTO/PRESS POINT
County Revenue Director, Mr Lawrence Kaburu distanced his junior officers from the corruption allegations but agreed that the cards that drivers swap at the entry and exit of the stage had spoilt.
He said the cards were being replaced and will be available soon.
“Some of the cards were ruined while others became defaced making it impossible for the system to sense them,” said Mr Kaburu.
