The Mombasa County Assembly. [Photo/ barakafm.org]
Mikindani MCA Juma Renson Thoya has said he is preparing a motion that will focus on reducing costs of doing business within Mombasa County.Speaking at Mikindani in Jomvu Constituency on Monday, Thoya said if the motion sails through, small scale traders in Mombasa will enjoy lower rates.He said majority of small scale traders in the county have been forced to close their businesses due to the huge taxes imposed on them by the county government.Thoya said the move was negatively impacting on the economy of the county.“It’s impractical for the county government to impose over 300 per cent charges to small scale businesses because they cannot manage such huge costs,” said Thoya.The MCA appealed to the Mombasa County Government to revise the rates and ensure women and youth venture into business activities.“You can’t charge a ‘mama mbogo’ Sh4,500 for an operating license and still charge them Sh40 every day. There will be an economic gap,” he added.His sentiments were reiterated by Kipevu MCA Faith Mwende Boniface who vowed to support the move and ensure that the rates are reduced.She said majority of youth and women who used to hawk their products and services in Changamwe closed down their business due to the high operating expenses.“There will be a difference between the second County Assembly and the first one which accepted such high rates without considering the impact they will have on the traders,” said Mwende.