Nakuru: The County Government of Nakuru has affirmed its commitment to harmonizing levies to improve the ease and cost of doing business within the devolved unit. Deputy Governor David Kones announced plans to collaborate with the national government and the private sector to standardize charges, such as levies, fees, and taxes, to encourage investment.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kones emphasized the county's willingness to partner with the private sector in developing policies aimed at removing trade barriers. He revealed that legislation is underway to introduce a single business permit, simplifying the process of acquiring trade licenses and attracting more investors. "The County government is in the process of amending the Finance Act, which will result in the issuance of a single business permit, reducing the number of requirements for businesses," he explained.
Kones highlighted the county's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for business growth through policy interventions, with a key initiative being the harmonization of the business licensing system. Speaking at the opening of Dama Mobile Spares Shop's Nakuru branch, he noted the establishment of County Aggregation Centres and Industrial Parks to create opportunities for the private sector.
Governor Susan Kihika has pledged to review the multiplicity of levies and taxes that hinder intra-county and inter-county trade. Kones stated, "We are taking deliberate steps to reduce the cost of doing business and position Nakuru as an essential destination for local and foreign investments."
The county has identified trade and investment prospects by pursuing active partnerships to unlock its potential, offering support in value addition and investments to transform Nakuru into a middle-income economy. Dama Mobile Spares Shop's new branch is expected to improve access to mobile phone spare parts in the region.
Kones acknowledged that double taxation and multiple licenses are impediments for businesses across devolved units, proposing a single county license that encompasses all permits and is recognized by other counties to spur economic activities.
County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Tourism, and Cooperatives, Stephen Kuria, highlighted the digitization of business-related services like license applications to attract foreign direct investments. Kuria emphasized the importance of businesses partnering with the county government to enhance development and raise living standards.
Nakuru aims to attract investors to its agricultural sector, known as a key food basket in the Rift Valley, to add value and gain direct sales to foreign markets. The county is a leading producer of potatoes, carrots, milk, and vegetables.
Economic surveys project Nakuru's economic potential at Sh200 billion, spanning agricultural value addition, manufacturing, geothermal exploration, tourism, and real estate. A survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs ranked Nakuru as the easiest place to start a business among populous urban areas, attributing this to a reduced tax burden. The county scored 89 in the tax sub-cluster, outperforming Eldoret and Machakos, with Kisumu, Nairobi, and Mombasa trailing behind.