Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama has called on Governor Alfred Mutua and the Machakos County government to be lenient on informal traders while charging market levies.
Speaking in Mavoko on Tuesday, Muthama said he had received complaints from traders over continued harassment during payment of market levies and licence renewals.
He said the new fees levied on hawkers and informal traders were high.
“We need to be lenient on them so as to encourage them to pay the levies when they have money," Muthama said.
"If they are late in pyament, consider giving them a little longer period to pay and they will do their best."
Revenue officers in Machakos have been faulted severally over their continued harassment of traders while collecting market levies.
“The people harassing the business persons are aware that they are unable to pay in time due to lack of money," he said.