Kiambu residents protesting in Kiambu town on July 29, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERAKiambu traders have petitioned authorities over what they
describe as excessive licence fees, aggressive enforcement and poor service
delivery.
Read Also
They accused the county government of intensifying revenue collection while failing to improve essential services.
Operating under the Kiambu Business Community, the traders staged a peaceful procession through Kiambu town before presenting a petition to the Judiciary, security agencies and the county administration, calling for urgent reforms to the county's licensing and enforcement regime.
The petition was presented to the High Court, Kiambu Law Courts, the County Commissioner, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, police commanders and county administrators.
The traders are seeking intervention over what they termed arbitrary revenue collection and enforcement practices.
Businesswoman Faith Ruguru said the county should involve traders in public participation before introducing or reviewing business charges.
They argued that the current licensing system lacks transparency and predictability.
"Let the county involve us in public participation so that we can agree on the charges. Once the law is in place, traders will know exactly what they are required to pay," Ruguru said.
The traders are demanding the enactment of a clear legal framework governing business licences and other levies. They said this would eliminate arbitrary charges, enhance accountability and give investors certainty over the cost of doing business.
The protest comes as Kiambu county intensifies efforts to increase its own-source revenue.
The county recently announced that it had collected Sh6.5 billion during the 2025-26 financial year, more than double the Sh2.8 billion collected in 2022.
It has also set an ambitious target of matching the approximately Sh11.5 billion it receives annually from the national government.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi attributed the growth to automation, tighter revenue controls and sealing revenue leakages.
The traders, however, argued that the push to increase revenue collection should be matched by improved public services and a more business-friendly environment.
They questioned how the additional revenue was being utilised, citing poor drainage, inadequate street lighting, incomplete markets, sewerage challenges and declining health services.
"Residents and business people want to see the benefit of the money being collected. We need better health services, functional markets, proper drainage, street lighting and a clean business environment," Ruguru said.
The business community also demanded the release of goods confiscated during county enforcement operations, claiming some traders had lost merchandise after failing to meet licensing requirements.
They accused enforcement officers of entering business premises and seizing property without following due legal process.
Kiambu Business Community official Ken Nderu criticised the involvement of police officers in county enforcement operations, saying security agencies should uphold the law and protect the rights of traders rather than intimidate them during revenue collection exercises.
"The police should ensure every enforcement operation is conducted within the law. We are opposed to intimidation and the unlawful confiscation of traders' property," Nderu said.
The petition also calls for an end to unlawful entry into private premises and the seizure of business goods.
It urges public authorities to investigate the complaints and ensure all enforcement operations comply with the constitution and other applicable laws.
Trader Paulina Waithera said the rising cost of doing business had forced some entrepreneurs to close their businesses, with many struggling to meet licence fees, rent and other operating expenses.
"We want to work and contribute to the development of Kiambu, but we need an environment that allows businesses to survive," Waithera said.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the county administration, Kiambu town ward administrator Job Hamisi acknowledged receipt of the document and said the issues raised would be reviewed before an official response is issued.
