Bar owners in Juja Sub-County have decried the high rates of levies charged by both the County and National governments.
Speaking after a sensitisation programme conducted by the Kiambu County liquor licensing board on Monday in Juja, the traders led by the only licensed distributor of wines and spirits in Juja Mr Aaron Chomba, said that they are experiencing hardships in maintaining their businesses.
Chomba said that he has been forced to pay up to Sh50, 000 for a single business permit, despite the fact that his customers are shying away from the business due to harassment from government officials.
“I used a lot of cash in re-starting my business after my previous business was broken into by youth after the President’s directive. These people don’t care about our welfare and they expect us to pay the license fees,” said Chomba.
He said the business is no longer productive like in the past, due to the high rates which according to him have tripled.
“I used to pay Sh3,000 for a single business permit but the amount has gone up to Sh6, 300. They have also increased the liquor license from Sh15, 000 to Sh30, 000 and the public health fee from Sh1, 500 to Sh3, 700. W cannot pay this amount if the businesses are producing peanuts,” he added.
Sarah Makena,a retail bar owner at Witeithie slums said she re-opened the bar after she was attacked by youth who were led by area MP Francis Munyua earlier last year, during the crackdown on second generation drinks.
“We thought it will be business as usual but they have imposed a lot of rules and taxes fon us. It has become so hard to acquire a license from the county government,” said Makena.