Eldoret Traders Decry Skyrocketing County License Fees

Traders in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County, are expressing their frustrations over a sharp increase in the costs associated with renewing their business licenses.

The fees, which were previously more manageable for many small businesses, have seen considerable hikes in recent weeks, leaving traders struggling to keep up. Business owners in Eldoret are calling for action as the cost of renewing business licenses has surged, with many unable to afford the new rates or penalties.

Those who miss the renewal deadlines are now facing additional penalties, aggravating the financial burden.

Many business owners have reported they are unable to afford the new fees, with some choosing not to renew their licenses this year due to the increased costs.

The situation is causing notable anxiety among traders, especially with enforcement actions expected to begin soon.

Business owners are calling on Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim to address the issue, fearing that the hikes could threaten the survival of small businesses in the region. "Good Morning Nyakundi. I'm from Eldoret and sisi watu wa biashara tunaumia sana. Imagine we used to renew our business license na 12k. Sahii ukienda unaambiwa imepanda to almost 14-15k... then to make it worse, ukichelewa unaambiwa unalipa 18k to almost 20k penalties from 12k last year. Wengine ata hatuja renew coz wameongeza pesa mob na hatuna... na wataanza kusumbua next week. Help us please Nyakundi. Please address this issue tusaidike please."