Small-scale enterprises in Nyansiongo area of Borabu constituency remained closed for the better part of Thursday after owners protested over the alleged over-taxation by the Nyamira County government.
Business owners are against the recent order of remitting of Sh100 per day from the initial Sh50.
They are accusing the county government of failing to involve them adequately in policy making since no public participation exercise has been carried out since the new rates were introduced almost a month ago.
“I have been forced to close my hotel business because I can’t really be able to pay Sh100 per day. On my rough estimation that is about Sh2,000 per month instead of the original Sh1000,” said Vane Nyaboke.
“The law requires that we are involved in policy making because we are living in a country that is governed by the law. They never invited the public and we demand answers from the county,” said Victor Bosire.
They asked the county assembly of Nyamira to review the rates by reducing them to the initial charges. They also threatened to carry our peaceful demonstrations if no action is taken by Wednesday.
“We appeal to the county government to save the small-scale business owners. This is too much for us and we hope by Wednesday they would have helped us otherwise we will hold demonstrations in protest,” said Zachary Sagini.