Uasin-Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has urged the business fraternity to comply with the new regulations by paying fees to the county for it to offer services.
Mandago who yesterday was addressing traders who created commotion at the county’s main entrance demanding the release of Ken Kimaiyo, one of the leaders of the traders committee, claimed that they were given a notice by the county officials to clear their arrears.
“You all need to pay money to the county government so that more services like provision of water can be provided to the people. Without this the county cannot operate so you have no option but to comply with the new regulation,” he said.
According to the traders, they claimed that they received a letter indicating that owe the county government huge debts of Sh22 million which they ought to pay or risk their stores being taken away.
The merchants who comprises of the wholesalers and retailers complained of accumulation of arrears from the county government and also inherited arrears which they are forced to clear and
“We pay Sh500 for the inherited arears and Sh720 normal payment monthly, No receipts are issued and no deductions are made when we pay that money hence accumulating our debts,” said Anne Achieng’, a potato business owner and also a committee member.
Ken Kimaiyo was arrested after he questioned the county officials who visited the stalls concerning the accumulation of the arrears.
The county director of license and compliance, Silas Leting, said that in the new dispensation there are new rules and procedures of running the government entity.
“The operation Nil balance has been put into effect whereby all traders are asked to clear all arrears. Some traders have complied while a few have not owing the government a total of Sh22 million,” said Leting.
He added that there is cartel committee trying to recover the millions between end of 3 months or else the stores will be snatched from them.
However he said that the county is willing to work with the traders if only they are only willing to comply with the new structure.
Kimaiyo was later released after he was charged for obstruction.