Nairobi, 11th April 2024:
Nairobi City County’s Deputy Governor H.E Njoroge Muchiri attended the Small Traders Technical Committee meeting held at The Office of the Deputy President in Harambee Annex-Nairobi.
Nairobi business traders form part of Kenya’s Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) majority of whom operate in the informal sector which is an essential driver of Kenya’s economy.
Today’s engagement was a build up to a meeting by the Deputy President with Nairobi small scale traders a fortnight ago; where the traders shared their concerns and proposals to rid obstacles for a conducive business environment.
The meeting today chaired by the Chief of Staff -Office of the Deputy President Ms. Wanjiku Wakogi, sought to address the concerns raised by the small scale traders and was attended by senior government officials, representatives of various state regulatory bodies and Nairobi small scale business representatives.
The Deputy Governor responded to the concerns addressed to Nairobi City County Government which included:-
- Unified Business Permit (usability)
- Fumigation Charges
- The County’s position on Gikomba Fire Station
- Biashara Fund
- Business inspection for compliance
- Waiver of some fees/ charges
- Muthurwa market access roads
- Expansion of business space( construction of additional markets) etc.
Other issues raised concerned other Government agencies and they were-:Kenya Revenue Authority benchmarking Charges and certificate of conformity; Anti-counterfeit Authority on counterfeit products; Kenya Copyright Board on compliance with copyright regulations; Kenya Bureau of Standards on quality of products and Ministry of Trade Investment and Industry on unfair competition between locals and foreigners.
The meeting agreed on prioritizing resolving issues through short-term, medium term and long term measures for sustainability and in line with the Government’s transformation agenda.
The Deputy President H.E Rigathi Gachagua EGH stopped by for greetings but also to reaffirm the Government’s commitment on the success of the agenda.
Ends/..