Governor Natembeya Unveils Bold Plans to Slash Business Costs in Trans Nzoia

Trans Nzoia County Governor, George Natembeya, has proposed a decrease in the costs associated with conducting business in the County. He intends to review the 2023/2024 finance bill to align it with the current economic situation.

The governor acknowledged that the current high cost of living has adversely affected many individuals, especially businesspeople. He stressed the importance of supporting these entrepreneurs to ensure their success and continued provision of services to the local residents.

Governor Natembeya’s administration is determined to lower taxes and other charges, aiming to improve the working conditions for businesspeople. The objective is to enable them to operate smoothly without burdensome taxation.
The governor has already taken steps to relieve the financial burden on specific groups. The annual sticker fee for BodaBoda riders has been reduced from Ksh 3600 to Sh. 500, while the daily charges for small businesses have decreased from Sh. 40 to Sh. 20.
Starting next month, the county will completely waive land rates for all landowners. Governor Natembeya believes that residents should be able to pay their dues freely without being penalized.
The county chief made these announcements on Friday at the Kitale Bus park, where he officially reopened the facility. The bus park had been closed indefinitely on Tuesday due to clashes between BodaBoda riders and Matatu operators.
The governor emphasized that his administration would not tolerate the control of the facility by troublemakers. He pointed out that the bus park was constructed using public funds. Some individuals have been illegally imposing taxes and harassing other users. By changing the management of the facility, the governor aims to improve overall management and working conditions for all.

He urged those operating at the facility to stand firm and resist being controlled by unauthorized individuals. He made it clear that former managers would not be allowed to return. Furthermore, the governor announced plans to connect the facility to piped water and improve sanitation by providing free access to public lavatories.
Once the Masinde Muliro modern business center is completed, Governor Natembeya intends to ensure that only genuine businesspersons are assigned stalls. He plans to distribute them fairly and discourage residents from paying for stalls under any form of favoritism.

Additionally, Governor Natembeya revealed that he has revoked the operating licenses of businesses that have been giving out Motorbikes at unscrupulous interest rates. He pledged to protect Trans Nzoia residents from being swindled out of their hard-earned money. The Department of Trade will ensure that only legitimate lenders are allowed to operate.

The meeting was attended by various leaders from the county government, county assembly, Kitale Bus park, and other sectors of the economy.