Kiambu: 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 Kenya News Agency, the Kiambu County Finance Act 2024/2025 stipulates that trade license fees have been reduced by an average of 50 per cent, allowing traders to 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 will see charges reduced from Sh4,100 to Sh1,500, easing the financial burden on vital communication hubs. Small restaurants and eateries will pay Sh500 for public health, a reduction of Sh1000 aimed at supporting food culture and encouraging growth. Filling stations with three fuel pumps or fewer will now pay Sh3,500, down from Sh5,000, for food, drugs, and non-food hygiene fees.

Retail shops, including general stores and small traders like salons and barber shops, will see their fees lowered from Sh1,500 to Sh500. Businesses handling food, drugs, and non-food items have had their prices reduced from Sh1,200 to Sh1,000. A public health certificate will now cost butchers without kitchens Sh500 instead of the previous Sh1,500.

Susan Gatwiri, the County Executive Committee Member for Trade, stated, “We understand the economic environment has been tough on businesses. 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.”

Peter Mwangi, a butchery owner in Kiambu town, expressed his gratitude to the county government for the reduction of the license fee for small business owners like him. He noted that the reduced fee from Sh1,500 to Sh500 would allow him to increase his stock or pay for his child’s tuition fee. Dennis Muthee Thuku, who runs an electronics shop, also appreciated the reduction for small communications businesses, which will help them run their businesses smoothly.

These reduced fees are expected to positively affect Kiambu County. By lowering operational costs, small businesses will be better positioned to thrive, create jobs, and contribute to the overall economic health of the region.