Kidero on the spot over poor business environment

Kenya Manufacturers Association Bharat Shah gives his keynote address during BMO round table meeting. The Nairobi business community has put Governor Evans Kidero to task over high taxes and a poor trading environment. (PHOTO: MOSES OMUSULA/ STANDARD)

The Nairobi business community has put Governor Evans Kidero to task over high taxes and a poor trading environment.

In a round-table meeting with the governor, members of Kenya Association of Manufacturers (Kam) said they were often harassed by county officials who demand bribes, especially on Fridays.

"Running a business in Nairobi is proving to be very challenging and survival continues to be a question mark in the East African capital," said Manoj Shah, Kam chapter chair.

Patrick Odera, a pharmacist, said the county government was charging chemists double for a single business permit, which was making business operations in the city unbearable.

"It is not fair that we pay Sh15,000 per year to the county government and another Sh15,000 to the national government through our Pharmacy and Poisons Board. That is double taxation and the county should engage the business community on how to negotiate a standard fee for all retail pharmacies," said Odera.

He said the matter was currently in court.

The garbage menace was also singled out as the most inhibiting factor for development in the city, with the worst affected areas being markets and hotels.

NOT COLLECTED

"Garbage along Limuru Road, for example, is not collected on a regular basis but after months. The county should invest in more trucks and personnel. Private collectors also need more scrutiny to ensure they deliver," said Odera.

Bharat Shah, a member of Kam, complained about lack of proper food inspection skills by city officials, noting that residents were now exposed to health risks.

He said unless the issues between the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) and the county government were addressed, residents would continue suffering.

Dr Kidero directed the relevant executives take up the concerns raised, highlighting that measures had already been put in place to address food inspection and garbage collection.

"We are setting up committees to take up the issues raised and I will also ensure my government and the business community meet at least four times a year in order to make Nairobi a better place," said Kidero.