Hundreds of Keroka traders have accused the county government of imposing irregular taxes on them without prior consultations and subsequent notifications.
Speaking on Monday to HiviSasa.com, they said the county had been charging them up to Sh120 daily contrary to Sh60 without explaining the sudden increase.
They threatened paralyse businesses in the busy township besides demanding an immediate address from the county leadership in a bid to solve the crisis.
“Someone cannot wake up in the morning and introduce new rates without informing the clients. We demand the reason to the increment and that must be done as soon as possible. The government should not continue hiding and we will demonstrate if the issue isn’t resolved,” said Mrs Angela Mokua.
Their sentiments were supported by matatu operators who urged the county government to put a fixed rate per day instead of collecting tax per trip made in their daily businesses.
“We are also not satisfied with the way the county is handling us. They should put a fixed amount of money that we should pay per day instead of charging us Sh50 per trip made. Otherwise, they have done it to boda boda operators,” added Mr Ken Okemwa.
However, the traders called for automation of revenue collection besides urging the county government to improve sanitation in the main market.
“If they automate revenue collection, I think we will curb a lot of corruption that is going on amongst the workers. We also want to see more services,” said Mrs Agnes Omandi.