Mombasa: The Truckers Association of Kenya (TAK) is calling on the government to incorporate its members into state agency boards and harmonize county levies to prevent the issue of double taxation. Speaking at the Association's Annual General Meeting in Mombasa, TAK Chairman Raphael Lamuya highlighted the challenges posed by inconsistent and multiple charges that escalate the cost of doing business and disrupt route planning.

According to Kenya News Agency, Chairman Lamuya revealed that TAK has petitioned the Council of Governors and is working alongside other associations to advocate for a harmonized framework. He emphasized that fuel price fluctuations significantly impact the cost of transporting essential goods and services, with any increase directly raising operating expenses for trucking businesses. Lamuya suggested that all 143 SACCOs consider revising transport rates upwards by 12.5 to 25 percent to mitigate the rising fuel costs, ensuring transporters are not overburdened as they manage loans and family needs.

In a bid to further safeguard truckers' interests, TAK is striving to secure representation on boards of key government agencies such as NTSA, KeNHA, KeRRA, KURA, the Kenya Roads Board, and NEMA. Lamuya pointed out that these agencies play a crucial role in formulating, implementing, and enforcing policies impacting truckers. He stated that once changes are made, truckers will be able to provide input, ensuring decisions do not adversely affect them.

Addressing axle load compliance, the Chairman affirmed TAK's commitment to weight regulations and self-regulation among its 143 SACCO members. TAK Secretary General Denny Ndwii expressed concern over the proposed introduction of a road license fee, describing it as an additional burden on transporters. He highlighted that transporters already pay substantial taxes and face double taxation due to varying levies imposed by different counties.

Ndwii urged both national and county governments to consolidate charges into a single license, allowing transporters to operate nationwide under one permit. He also emphasized the importance of transporters' representation on boards handling transport matters and called on NTSA to ensure roads are well-marked to help drivers avoid unnecessary fines during traffic rule enforcement.