Traders in Eldoret pull down posters over high fees

Traders in Eldoret town are pulling down posters bearing the names of their businesses after the county government started charging fees.

The business owners complained that the amount is too high.

“Look at this cubicle, it is one by one-and-a-half metres. I have already paid Sh 8,500 and a conservancy fee of Sh1,260.

“I am now supposed to pay another Sh 14,000 for my business name and illuminated signage. I had to pull the poster down,” said a trader, who runs a flower shop, but did not want to be named for fear of victimisation.

“The county government is charging exorbitant fees, yet all traders within the CBD have already paid at least Sh 8,000 for a single business permit,” said Mr Kipkorir Menjo, who owns a watch repairing shop in Eldoret Town.

SCARE AWAY INVESTORS

According to the traders, the taxes are too high and they fear that they will not make profits from their businesses. They added that the charges would scare away potential investors.

The county Director of Licensing and Compliance, Mr Silas Leting, said all the business owners must pay the money, even if they have pulled their advertisements down.

“This is the law and it has to be implemented. When the public’s views were being sought, the traders had an opportunity to air their grievances. It is hypocritical for them to cry foul now,” said Mr Leting.

The county government is charging a flat rate of Sh6,000 and an additional Sh1,000 application fee for advertising businesses.

Illuminated signage cost Sh 8,000 per square metre on one side and double the amount is charged for both.