Small-scale traders in Kiambu County have received financial relief after the county government significantly reduced business permit fees to ease the burden amid tough economic conditions.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration has introduced a unified business permit, replacing multiple licenses with a single permit that covers several charges. According to Susan Gatwiri, the County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Industry, this reform will lower costs for traders who previously had to pay for multiple permits.
“With the current Finance Act, some changes have been made. We now have a unified business permit,” Gatwiri stated.
The new permit will include various charges, such as waste management fees, public inspection fees, and fire inspection charges, making it a one-stop solution for traders.
Under the revised charges:
- Health inspection fees for small-scale businesses like barbershops, salons, and meat traders have dropped from Ksh1,500 to Ksh500.
- Inspection fees for filling stations with fewer than three pumps have been reduced from Ksh4,100 to Ksh2,000.
- Mobile accessories shops will now pay Ksh1,500, down from Ksh4,000.
Additionally, the county government announced that the single business permit will remain valid for 12 months from the date of issuance, ensuring convenience for traders.
By making tax levies more affordable, the county government aims to boost its own-source revenue, particularly from small-scale businesses.
