Hussein Mohamed, a trader, presenting the petition to
Abdi Shakul Kassin, the County assembly deputy clerk. Looking on are MCAs and
traders. /STEPHEN ASTARIKOTraders operating outside the perimeter fence of Garissa's Suuq Mugdi market have petitioned the county assembly.
They are protesting what they describe as discriminatory and excessive monthly charges compared with those paid by traders inside the market.
Led by Hussein Mohamed, the traders presented their petition to assembly Clerk Mohamud Santur, saying they are required to pay Sh3,000 every month while traders operating inside the market pay only Sh400, despite conducting similar businesses.
"We fail to understand why traders selling the same goods and serving the same customers should be treated differently simply because of their location," Mohamed said.
He urged the assembly to investigate the basis of the different charges and compel the relevant county departments to review the fee to ensure it is fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory.
Trader and officials' representative Ambia Husein said the monthly levy is excessive, particularly because traders also pay annual Single Business Permit (SBP) fees to the county government.
"Our plea is not to avoid paying legitimate levies but to ensure every trader is treated equally and that the fees charged are reasonable and reflect the services provided," she said.
The traders also raised concerns over ambiguities in the county's Finance Bill, arguing that its broad classification of "beauty shops" has resulted in businesses being charged fees they consider unfair and disproportionate.
They also questioned the legality of levies collected after the expiry of the 2024-25 Finance Act, saying the county government lacks a valid legal basis to continue collecting the charges.
Santur guided the traders through the petition process and advised them to submit supporting documents to strengthen their case. Garissa Township MCA Hussein Mohammed Dagane, whose ward hosts the market, said the assembly would give the petition due consideration.
"The issues raised by the traders are legitimate concerns that deserve to be heard and properly addressed. I will ensure this petition receives the attention it deserves and is processed through the relevant committees of the Assembly," Dagane said.
Finance, Budget and Appropriations Committee chairman Omar Abdi Hassan also acknowledged the petition, which will now be considered under the assembly's procedures before recommendations are made.
Suuq Mugdi, meaning "Dark Market" in Somali, is Garissa county's largest open-air market and one of northern Kenya's busiest trading centres.
It serves traders from neighbouring counties and Somalia.
Despite repeated fire outbreaks that have destroyed merchandise worth millions of shillings over the years, traders have continued rebuilding their businesses, underscoring the market's importance as the region's commercial lifeline.
The traders, during the meeting with the Assembly
leadership, where they presented their petition. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa Township MCA Hussein Mohammed Dagane, whose ward
hosts the market, speaking./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Stalls located outside the Garissa market perimeter wall./STEPHEN
ASTARIKO
