The Nyamira environment court on Thursday ordered both Nyamira and Kisii counties to stick to their respective territories when collecting rates from Keroka residents.
While delivering judgment in the Keroka border dispute, Justice Mugo Kamau further prohibited the two counties from charging the residents twice in rates.
“The boundary between Kisii and Nyamira specifically at Keroka town having been determined pursuant to earlier orders of this court a mandatory order be is hereby issued to the effect that each county confines itself within its territory in respect to collection of rates, licenses and any other statutory revenues,” the court ordered.
Judge Kamau further ruled that causing the residents of Keroka town to pay rates, rents or any other dues to both Kisii and Nyamira counties is a gross violation of the affected traders.
“A declaration is issued that no two counties can collect this revenue from a particular person at the same time, I give that declaration. So, whoever is on the ground doing that can you run away very fast before the law catches up with you and if one has been double charged, they should refund to the party,” the court warned.
In the case, the parties had claimed that they were being forced to pay revenue twice to Nyamira and Kisii since both have laid claim to Keroka town.