By REUBEN OLITA
October 19, 2026| Teso farmers are urging the Busia County Government to reduce the price of fertiliser by Sh500, proposing that a 50-kilogramme bag be lowered from Sh2,500 to Sh2,000.
The proposal was presented during public participation on the Busia County Finance Bill, 2026, at the Disaster Centre in Amagoro, Teso North, in a session presided over by Denis Luchu of the county’s Revenue Department headquarters.
Farmers also proposed that the price of a two-kilogramme packet of maize seeds, currently pegged at Sh600, be reduced to Sh300.
The submissions form part of public input on the county’s revenue-raising measures, including taxes, levies, fees and charges for services in the 2026 financial year.
Residents also called for reduced livestock permit fees and lower annual charges for boda boda operators, suggesting the county introduce an annual charge of Sh500 per rider—similar to the arrangement in neighbouring Bungoma County—or Sh30 per day.
The forum gave residents an opportunity to challenge proposed charges and recommend adjustments they consider affordable and supportive of local economic activity. The proposals are intended to establish a manageable revenue framework for informal and small-scale businesses while allowing the county to collect revenue.
The Finance Bill also introduces annual permit charges for barbershops and salons, with large establishments expected to pay Sh10,000, medium-sized businesses Sh7,500 and small operators Sh3,500.
A monthly attachment fee of Sh1,000 has also been proposed for public and community health students undertaking practical training in the county.
Residents further discussed charges for applications to shoot films, movies and documentaries within Busia County. The proposed fee was reduced to Sh500 for county residents and Sh1,000 for applicants from outside the county.