Kiambu county government has abolished hawking license fees as a way to encourage more youth into the trade and cushion them against hard economic times.
Speaking in Mwihoko -Ruiru Sub-county, Governor William Kabogo assured the hawkers that they will no longer be charged hawking fees by the county on condition that they conduct their businesses orderly and conserve the environment.
"From today the county government will not charge hawking license fees but you have to conduct your business in an orderly manner and avoid littering the areas you operate from. If I will receive complaints from residents or Environment department, I will not hesitate to reintroduce hefty license fees," he warned.
At the same event, Kabogo oversaw the giving out of 71 motorcycles under the Kiambu Biashara Fund Initiative. He said the initiative aims at empowering youth, women and persons with disabilities through asset financing and offering interest-free loans to both groups and individuals.
"My government is concerned with the many challenges facing the youth especially lack of jobs and is determined to address them by helping them start and run businesses, in this way changing their lives," he noted.
Kabogo was accompanied by the area Member of National Assembly Esther Gathogo, area MCAs, Water, Environment and Natural Resources Chief Officer John Muhia, CEC Member for Youth Machel Waikenda among other County officials.