Samuel Murega Muraya from the State Department for Trade speaking to the press in Garissa. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
Stakeholders from Garissa at the forum./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Damaris Shiko, a participant airing her views. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
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Garissa traders have raised concerns over multiple county levies on goods in transit, saying the taxes are hurting their businesses through increased costs.

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Livestock trader Mohamed Hussein said they are subjected to repeated taxation as they transport goods across different counties. He said revenue collectors, often stationed at several points along major transport routes, force traders to pay multiple levies for the same consignment.

“We are taxed at several points as we move our goods. This has made doing business very expensive,” Hussein said.

He cited areas such as Tana River Bridge, Kithyoko and Thika as some of the major collection points on the route from Garissa to Nairobi.

The traders spoke during a public participation forum on the proposed National Trade Development Bill, 2025, held at the Garissa Government Guest House.

The forum was organised by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry as part of a nationwide exercise to ensure inclusive public engagement in the development of the Bill.

Deka Mohamed, a grocery trader, singled out the Tana River and Kithyoko toll stations, saying revenue officers from different counties are stationed at the same locations.

She said officers from Garissa and Tana River counties, as well as Kitui and Machakos counties, collect levies at the same points, resulting in double taxation.

“We are not against paying taxes, but the problem is being charged multiple times for the same consignment. By the time we reach the market, the profit margin is already gone. We hope the new Bill will help address this,” she said.

Ben Marango, the Garissa County Jua Kali secretary general, said multiple taxation makes goods more expensive and discourages trade, particularly among small-scale traders who rely on road transport.

“I hope this Bill will harmonise taxation systems and establish clear guidelines to prevent double taxation. This will ease the burden on traders and promote inter-county trade and economic growth,” Marango said.

Samuel Muraya from the State Department of Trade acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and traders.

He said the overall objective of the Bill is to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the development, facilitation, promotion and regulation of both domestic and international trade.

“This Bill aims to strengthen coordination of trade-related matters between the national and county governments, enhance collaboration with the private sector and non-state actors, and position Kenya as a competitive trading nation at the regional and global levels,” Muraya said.

He said Kenya has previously lacked a comprehensive trade law, adding that issues such as double licensing and multiple levies are among the challenges the Bill seeks to address.

“There has been a lot of charging for double licenses, and that is something this Bill expressly addresses. We hope to rectify it,” he said.

Muraya said counties are not allowed to charge levies on goods moving along national highways unless they provide infrastructure such as designated parking facilities.

“All goods moving along national highways, which are managed by the national government, are not subject to county charges. Counties can only levy charges on roads within their jurisdiction for repair and improvement,” he added.

The proposed Bill provides for the harmonisation of business licensing and permits to eliminate duplication and unnecessary regulatory burdens. It also seeks to restrict trade-related fees that hinder the free movement of goods and services across county boundaries.

The Bill also emphasise inclusivity and capacity development, offering targeted support to micro, small and medium enterprises, women, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups through improved access to finance, skills development, mentorship and professional training.