Oparanya assures traders over new fees

By Bryan Tumwa

Kakamega, Kenya: Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has assured the business community in his county that his administration would promote the growth of trade by providing a conducive environment for investors.

This is the message the county boss gave to representatives of traders when he met them at his office on Friday.

Oparanya said it was unfortunate that a section of traders took to the streets to protest yet their grievances could be addressed through consultative means.

“Other counties are working and developing yet in this county a few people want to cause chaos. Problems should be solved through dialogue,” said Oparanya.

The county’s Finance Act sparked protests in the town at the beginning of the month when a section of traders took to the streets to agitate for increased taxes to be brought down.

Representatives from the wholesale market, for instance, said that a seven-tonne lorry of cabbages used to attract Sh1,000 during the time of the defunct municipal council yet the county government was now charging Sh1,200 per tonne.

Peter Sunguti, a representative,  said the controversial law had also been distorted since some unscrupulous officials were charging high fees and using fake receipts.

Exorbitant fees

“There seems to be a problem emanating from the administration since we are being charged exorbitant fees on the ground yet in some cases the charges are not as high in the Finance Act.

“There is also a lot of filth in the markets where we work, which is why we demand that the government do something to relocate us to a clean place,” said Sunguti.

However, Oparanya assured the businessmen that their grievances would be addressed by the county government.

The county plans to construct three new markets in Lurambi Constituency and one in each of the other 11 constituencies.

“I am aware of the problem faced by traders in Masingo. We have already earmarked land there to construct a modern market. I am also giving the contractors of the completed market in Kakamega town notice to come and engage us to clear the outstanding balance on the finished market in town or else I will move to court,” said Oparanya.

He further directed the traders to note down all contentious issues and forward them to his office. He said the Finance Act was a basis to build on future tax laws.