Kiambu County through its finance minister has today refuted claims of increasing taxes for traders especially those who operate on license basis.
Speaking in his office today, Dominic Gicheru condemned the planned demonstrations and cited that the county is just implementing the law that was passed by county parliament.
‘We are just implementing the law that was recently passed by MCAs as it is, the law can only be amended by MCAs. Kiambu County is the only county that charges its traders less levies; it is very unfortunate that traders plan to demonstrate. This is bad and I assure traders that were are not going to condone this,’ he said.
The leader added, ’Kiambu residents come and let us speak, do not demonstrate for nothing, we are here to deliver and are also ready to hear the voices of residents we serve.’
According to Gicheru, the county governor William Kabogo has lowered taxes in towns and various sub-counties.
‘I commend the move by Kabogo to reduce levies in towns like Thika, Gatundu, Kikuyu and Limuru which was pulling the profit of many down, the county has also bought trucks to collect dirt that emanate from traders left over’s which also is a great deal in ensuring hygiene in towns,’ He added.
He has moreover challenged county traders to visit their offices where their issues would be solved instead of going to streets the where their grievances would not be heard.
The planned demonstration by Jamhuri market traders was halted by armed police who cooled the situation after engaging with the irked traders.