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Shianda Market Traders Threaten Tax Boycott Over Increased Levies

 

Traders at Shianda Market in Mumias East Constituency, Kakamega County, have issued a stern warning to the county government, threatening to boycott tax payments and stage protests. This is in response to what they describe as an unfair and unexplained increase in business license fees and levies, imposed without any prior consultation.

Led by Gabriel Omusebe, Salma Osundwa, Maxwell Nyayo, and Grace Mutayi, the traders expressed shock and frustration over the sudden hike in fees. Gabriel Omusebe highlighted that the cost of a business license had doubled from Ksh. 4,200 last year to Ksh. 8,500 this year.

“I was shocked when I was asked to pay Ksh. 8,500 for my business license. Last year, I paid Ksh. 4,200. When I inquired, they told me it was the new rate from the county government. We were not involved in any discussions about these changes,” said Omusebe.

Salma Osundwa added, “The taxes are too high, and yet our businesses are barely making enough profit. We are struggling to pay school fees for our children. If this continues, we will have no choice but to close our shops and go back home.”

Vegetable vendors, led by Rukia Auma, shared similar concerns, stating that the increased taxes were unsustainable given the current economic challenges.

“Our businesses are making losses, and now the county government has increased taxes. We are unable to pay our children’s school fees,” lamented Auma.

Lack of Transparency and Consultation

The traders also criticized the lack of transparency and consultation in implementing the new tax rates, insisting they must be involved in such critical decisions.

“It is unacceptable for the county government to wake up and impose a 200% increase in rates without consulting us. This is abnormal, and we cannot accept it,” argued Omusebe.

Security and Infrastructure Concerns

In addition to high taxes, the traders raised issues regarding poor security and inadequate infrastructure at the market. They reported frequent thefts and poor sanitary conditions, urging the county government to act swiftly.

“We will paralyze business operations here at Shianda Market if the county government does not address security, clean water, and sanitation issues. We are ready to demonstrate until these matters are resolved,” warned the traders.

The traders are calling on the Kakamega County government to immediately review the tax structure, improve market security, and address infrastructure challenges to prevent further disruption of business activities at Shianda Market.

County Government’s Response

Joseck Joab Maloba, County Chief Revenue Administrator (CRA) for Kakamega County

Responding to the claims, the County Chief Revenue Administrator (CRA) for Kakamega County, Joseck Joab Maloba, denied allegations of increased levies.

“We have received concerns from Shianda Market traders claiming we are overcharging them, but we have not doubled levies as alleged. The fees we charge are in accordance with the act passed by the county assembly after the requisite public participation,” said Maloba.

He further invited aggrieved traders to visit the county offices for clarification.

“The invoices issued align with the law, and we will not be intimidated by those who claim we are out to frustrate their businesses,” Maloba asserted.

 

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