The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Small-scale traders in Mombasa are calling on the county government to review and reduce business licence fees, saying the current rates are too steep for struggling SMEs.
Although the county recently merged most permits into a single business licence to simplify registration, traders argue that the new system has come with higher charges—especially for fire inspection and compliance.
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Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa chair, Aboud Jamal, speaking during the close of the Mombasa International ASK Show on Sunday, said the county must balance revenue collection with business growth.
He acknowledged the county’s funding challenges but urged predictable and fair taxation. “We support our county to deliver services, but licence fees should be capped and reviewed regularly so traders know what to expect,” he said.
Jamal noted that KNCCI has engaged the county on ways to ensure SMEs are not overburdened, stressing that any rise in fees should reflect improved services for residents.
SME advocate Aisha Omar, founder of Ishmar Expo Ltd, said the high costs make it hard for micro and small enterprises to survive, especially in the current tough economy. She added that many SMEs have ambitions to grow and even export but face hurdles from licensing costs.
Local entrepreneur Harith Ahmed cited the rising cost of raw materials and delayed county payments as additional threats to small businesses.
“The county needs revenue, yes, but SMEs must be protected. Otherwise, many of us will close shop,” he warned.
At the same event, Taita Taveta University vice chancellor Prof. Fred Simiyu praised innovations in agriculture, mining, and the blue economy showcased at the fair, urging stronger partnerships between academia and industry to commercialise solutions that align with Kenya’s Vision 2030.
KNCCI’s Jamal reiterated the private sector’s commitment to supporting economic growth and pledged to help scale up promising innovations from the trade fair.
