The Kiambu Business Community (RGD) today delivered a strongly worded petition to the Kiambu County Assembly, demanding urgent remedial actions to what they describe as a deteriorating business environment marked by unlawful taxation, harassment, and a lack of accountability.
The traders staged peaceful demonstrations within Kiambu town, marched towards Governor Kimani Wamatangi office in Kiambu demanding for any official of the county government to address but only their petition was received.
The business community who were accompanied by kiambu police then marched towards kiambu town calling on business people who had opened up their businesses to join them in seeking for conducive business environment and later on presented their petition to the county assembly of Kiambu which was received and they were addressed by chairpersons of county assembly from trade and finance committees.
The traders have called for the immediate withdrawal of pending court cases, release of impounded goods, and a complete overhaul of licensing and enforcement practices.
“Our businesses are the backbone of Kiambu’s economy, yet we face relentless intimidation and arbitrary levies that stifle growth and undermine livelihoods,” stated Mr. John Kamau, a prominent hardware owner and spokesperson for the RGD. “We are not asking for favors; we are demanding adherence to the law and a fair environment to operate.”
The petition, presented pursuant to various articles of the Kenyan Constitution, highlights eight key demands aimed at fostering a more transparent and equitable business landscape. Among the most pressing is the call for an end to “unlawful, extrajudicial, and unconstitutional levies” imposed on traders. “Any taxation beyond property rates and entertainment taxes must be authorized by an Act of Parliament,” emphasized Ms. Sarah Mwangi, a textile merchant, referencing Article 209 of the Constitution. “We are being subjected to charges that have no legal basis, directly impacting our profitability and ability to invest.”
The business community also decried the ongoing harassment by county enforcement officers. “We’ve seen countless instances of goods being illegally confiscated and traders being threatened for baseless reasons,” lamented Mr. David Kimani, who runs a popular eatery in Kiambu town. “It creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. We need to feel secure in our operations, not constantly looking over our shoulders.” The petition specifically calls for the immediate return of all unlawfully seized goods and the cessation of all harassment and unlawful interference.
Further, the traders are pushing for the withdrawal of all civil and criminal proceedings against their members stemming from these disputed actions. “It’s an injustice to have court cases hanging over our heads for simply trying to earn a living under difficult circumstances,” remarked another trader, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. “The county government should engage in dialogue, not litigation, when addressing our legitimate concerns.”
A significant point of contention is the affordability and legality of business licensing. The RGD demands that “business licenses must be anchored in law, standardized, and made affordable for all Kiambu traders.” They also insist that “every fee, levy, or payment collected by the county must be tied to a clear and tangible service,” addressing concerns about payments being collected without visible benefits to the business community or public infrastructure.
Infrastructure neglect also featured prominently in the petition, with traders demanding that “drainage systems around Kiambu town must be repaired, properly maintained, and fully covered.” This demand underscores the daily operational challenges faced by businesses due to inadequate public amenities.
Beyond business-specific concerns, the petition also wades into broader county governance issues, including the timely payment of healthcare workers. “The health sector is critical, and delays in paying doctors and nurses are unlawful and unacceptable,” stated the petition. “Our community’s well-being is directly tied to a functioning healthcare system, and their dues must be settled promptly.”
Perhaps one of the most assertive demands is the call for the immediate resignation of six county officers, including the Municipal Manager, Enforcement Officers, Ward Administrator, and Liaison Officer, citing “persistent misconduct, abuse of power, and violation of traders’ rights.” The petition warns that “should they fail to tender their resignations, we shall pursue all lawful avenues, including litigation, to ensure accountability.” This move signifies a hardening stance from the business community, indicating their readiness to escalate their grievances.
Finally, the Kiambu Business Community has outright rejected the proposed Kiambu County Finance Bill 2025/2026, citing “lack of proper civic education, insufficient public participation, and failure to adhere to constitutional principles of inclusivity and transparency.” They are demanding thorough civic education before any implementation.
The RGD noted that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including dialogue, have been unsuccessful. They also highlighted a pending High Court case (HCCHRPET/E031/2025) involving members of the community, which touches on the very issues raised in the petition.
“We believe a thriving business environment is crucial for the prosperity of all Kiambu residents,” said Ms. Grace Njeri, a local entrepreneur. “The county assembly now has a clear mandate from the people to act decisively and restore faith in our local governance.”
The petition concludes by urging the County Assembly, in its constitutional role of oversight and representation, to urgently deliberate and act on these prayers to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of Kiambu’s populace. The ball is now in the County Assembly’s court to respond to the growing frustrations of its business community.
