Mombasa county governor Abdulswamad Nassir has ordered for a review of licenses levied on public service vehicles and tuktuks operating within Mombasa County.

Matatu operators had complained of what they termed as exorbitant charges for licenses levied on matatus and  tuktuks by the county government during the governor Jho administration.

The announcement which is a sigh of relief, to the key players was made on Tuesday when the newly elected governor met the transport operators in a consultative meeting.

Nassir, who took over from Joho,  said as part of fulfilling some of his campaign pledges he will direct that the levies be reviewed downwards to cushion the sector players from the economic burden.

“It is my recommendation that these county fees be reviewed downwards subject to the approval of the County Assembly in the upcoming Finance Bill and the ease of compliance be improved so as to increase the collections for the county,” said Nassir.

Nassir promised that a detailed circular will be released by the county government before the end of next week detailing how to ease the cost of doing business in Mombasa.

Nassir said the county government will now automate the payment processes so as to ease the burden of queuing at the transport department in the Shimanzi area to make payments.

“We will no longer require operators to go all the way to Shimanzi for clearance then to Treasury Square for payment - we will enhance the simplicity of compliance by digitizing this process,” he added.

During his swearing in speech at the Mama Ngina waterfront last week,Nassir made a  first executive order to waive licence penalties levied on markets and businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Mombasa residents are struggling with the rising cost of living as income dwindles as our hotel industry and port-related businesses struggle,” Nassir said.

He said his  priority will be the revival of Mombasa's economy. He also promised that  dormant businesses will soon be revamped and existing ones expanded through his administration.

Speaking to this blog, Matatu Owners Association Mombasa Chairman Ali Batesi welcomed the move saying it will not help them as operators but also Mombasa residents and commuters.

"This is a very good move and we thank our governor for this. He has proven to us that he cares for us as businessmen and Mombasa residents at large" said Batesi.

Adding " It's timing is very right, now that the prices of fuel are always increasing and this will not only help us as businessman but commuters too. As you are aware we have not increased fares despite the high cost of fuel so this is something that we cannot take lightly and we promise the governor our support and cooperation as he settles in his new office"