Traders, leaders protest increase in licence fees by Laikipia government

NANYUKI: County government of Laikipia has increased business licences charges by about 300 per cent, sparking protests from traders and leaders.

Business people in the region vowed not to pay the charges, which they claimed were exorbitant, despite the county government yearning to raise its annual revenue.

Traders who talked to journalists in Nanyuki town said they are shocked after they were told they would pay three times the amount they have been paying for single business permits.

Esther Waithira, who owns Gerry’s Bar and Restaurant said she received an invoice from the county government, indicating she is supposed to pay Sh25,000 up from Sh7,500 for the single business permit last year.

“This is shocking and also disgusting. Do they want us to close down our businesses and move to other areas where the government will be accommodative and sensitive to us?” Waithira posed.

The trader observed the new fees would scare off investors and lead others to close down their businesses.

OVERBURDENING

The National Alliance party officials, Christopher Maitho (chairman) and his deputy Wilson Njanjo said the new fees are overburdening and threatened to mobilise businesspeople against paying them.

“Tripling a single business permit fee is frustrating. These are the people who create employment to the community, but the administration is pushing them to the corner,” said Maitho.

However, County Chief Officer for Finance Henry Kimani defended the move saying the increment was based on assessment done on individual businesses.