Traders up in arms after Nyandarua fees increase

The cost of doing business is set to go up in Nyandarua following a sharp increment of fees and charges by the county government.

The increased charges have not been received well by traders who feel it was unwise for the county government to raise the fees when the economic situation in the country is not favourable for business.

“These increments will definitely cause many businesses to close down since it comes at a time we are struggling economically,” said John Maina who runs a general shop in Ol Kalou.

The increments that mostly affected businesses located in the small urban centres range between 10 and 15 percent are contained in the 2024 County Finance Act published in the Kenya Gazette last week.

Supermarket owners are the hardest hit as their charges have been increased by Sh10,000. A trader with a supermarket that has 50 employees or operates in an area measuring 500 square metres will pay Sh165,000 up from Sh150.

Hustlers have not been spared the increment as those using motorcycles and tuk-tuk to hawk will now pay Sh3,850 compared to Sh3,500 they paid last year.

A new fee of Sh10,000 per business has been introduced for barbershops, salon, tailoring and other services like massage and pedicure parlours that was not captured in the last Finance Act.

A person operating a fleet of motorcycle boda boda or TukTuks have also been captured in the new Finance Act and will pay a new fee of Sh6,000 per year.

Matatu saccos that have over 40 vehicles will now pay Sh54,400 up from Sh49,450 license fee per year.

To exploit the fast expanding LPG gas businesses, those who establish a new gas depot, wholesale, or gas refill station in the County will pay Sh60,000. License for the already existing gas depot and whole sale has been increased from Sh18,000 to Sh19,800.