Relief for Traders as Governor Wamatangi Slashes License Fees in kiambu

Small scale traders in Kiambu County have received a financial reprieve after Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration introduced a unified business permit, significantly reducing licensing costs amid tough economic times.

The new permit consolidates multiple fees, including waste management, public inspection, and fire inspection charges, into a single application, easing the financial burden on small business owners.

Susan Gatwiri, the County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Industry, confirmed the changes, noting that the move simplifies compliance and reduces costs.

“With the current Finance Act, we have introduced a unified business permit, which lowers the overall charges for traders,” Gatwiri said.

Among the reductions, health inspection fees for small businesses such as barbershops, salons, and meat traders have dropped from Ksh1,500 to Ksh500.

Similarly, inspection fees for filling stations with fewer than three pumps have been cut from Ksh4,100 to Ksh2,000, while mobile accessories shops will now pay Ksh1,500 instead of Ksh4,000.

The new permits will be valid for 12 months from the date of acquisition.

The county government anticipates that by making licensing more affordable, revenue collection will improve, particularly among small traders.

Governor Wamatangi’s administration has also moved to ease land taxation, reversing a previous decision to tax freehold land and reducing rates for other chargeable land from 0.25% to 0.15% as per the 2016 valuation roll.

These reforms aim to boost business growth and economic activity in Kiambu, offering relief to struggling entrepreneurs.