Kiambu County has announced a reduction of license fees by 50 per cent to all traders across the county.
The county administration, under the stewardship of Governor Paul Kimani Wamatangi, passed the Kiambu 2024/2025 Finance Act last week with the aim of boosting the small and medium business enterprises.
According to the Kiambu County Finance Act 2024/2025, the trade license fees have been reduced by an average of 50 per cent, meaning that traders would now pay less for their licenses.
Additionally, the traders now have the option of paying in installments per year instead of one annual payment.
Small communications businesses’ charges have been slashed from Sh4,100 to Sh1,500, easing the financial burden on vital communication hubs.
Small restaurants and eateries (vibanda) will pay Sh500 for public health, a reduction of Sh1000 aimed at supporting food culture and encouraging growth.
Filling stations with 3 fuel pumps or below will now pay Sh3,500 from Sh5,000 for the food, drugs, and non-food hygiene fees.
Retail shops, including general stores and small traders like salons and barber shops, will now pay Sh500, down from Sh1,500. Businesses handling food, drugs, and non-food items have had their prices lowered from Sh1,200 to Sh1,000.
A public health certificate will now cost butchers without kitchens Sh500 instead of the previous Sh1,500.
“We understand the economic environment has been tough on businesses,” said Susan Gatwiri, the County Executive Committee Member for Trade.
“As a result, the county has lowered trade license fees, providing significant relief to small-scale traders. We have also cut public health certificates and food and drug fees,” she said.
Peter Mwangi, a butchery owner in Kiambu town, who talked to KNA, expressed his gratitude to the county government for the reduction of the license fee for small business owners like him.
“I am happy that they have reduced my fee from Sh1,500 to Sh500, as the balance will help me increase my stock or even pay for my child’s tuition fee, but I am also pleading with the government to continue reducing it,” said Mwangi.
Dennis Muthee Thuku, who runs an electronics shop, also expressed his appreciation for the reduction of small communications businesses from Sh4,100 to Sh1,500, which will help them run their businesses smoothly.
“We are happy with what the county government is doing for small business traders, and we will be able to do business with ease, and we are seeing things change in a good way,” said Thuku.
These reduced fees are expected to have a positive effect in Kiambu County. By lowering operational costs, small businesses will be better positioned to thrive, create jobs, and contribute to overall economic health in the region.
By Natasha Lelenguya