Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Vihiga Chapter has asked the county government to formulate bills and policies that are friendly to the business community.
Chamber chairperson Billy Nyonje said the business community should see that it is being supported by the county in its endeavour to create wealth and opportunities for the people in the region.
“We want to encourage the county government especially on the issues concerning the bills. They should formulate bills that are creating a friendly environment to businesspersons. The assembly should also pass such bills fast and they be implemented,” Dr Nyonje said.
He added, “The small scale business ventures should not be overtaxed in a bid by the county to raise revenue, but rather be encouraged to set up. If they come together and open many business ventures, the county can collect more revenue than what is being collected if we collaborate with them accordingly.”
Nyonje, while addressing journalists in his office at Mbale yesterday, noted there were several funds available like the Vihiga Enterprise Fund, that have the capacity to fund many smaller businesses, but lack requisite laws that can make them fully operational and beneficial.
He said most markets in the county are poorly lit and do not have street lights that can enable businesses to run past 8pm.
Among the developments the chamber wants the county government to accomplish is creation of parking lots in the major towns.
“Right now we do not have any parking lots in the towns of Mbale, Majengo and Chavakali, yet there are people who want to collect revenue in terms of parking fees, from vehicles that are parked on the service lanes whereby most people don’t pay,” Nyonje said.
He lamented that vehicles are being clamped yet the enforcement officers do not give alternative locations for motorists.
He said businesspersons are the major employers in Vihiga County because the region only has Mudete Tea Factory that does not meet all the employment needs of the people in the area, as it operates on low capacity.
Chamber county youth representative Francis Livumbatsi said the county government should consider youths for the available funds to enable them set up businesses.
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