Several businesses in Murang'a County are at risk of closure following a directive by Governor Irungu Kang'ata, who ordered a crackdown on non-compliant traders.
The governor on Saturday, June 21, ordered a crackdown targeting businesses with fake or expired single business permits and those with unpaid county fees.
Kang'ata noted that the county-wide inspection would commence on June 23 and would also target business premises with counterfeit liquor licenses.
In the notice, the governor said the crackdown was to promote compliance, uphold fair business practices, and protect legitimate businesses and consumers.
However, the governor assured residents that the crackdown would only target non-compliant businesses, reiterating that legitimate businesses would not be affected.
"The Murang’a County Government will commence a county-wide inspection starting 23rd June 2025, focusing on: counterfeit liquor licences, fake or expired Single Business Permits, and unpaid county fees and dues," Kang’ata announced.
"Legitimate businesses will not be affected. County officers will conduct the exercise with professionalism, respect, and integrity," the governor emphasised.
To avoid closure, business owners were advised to immediately verify their licences and permits before June 23 and ensure all county fees are fully paid.
Kang’ata’s directive comes barely six days after the Kisumu County Government launched inspections against illegal businesses to ensure compliance with regulations and curb revenue leakages.
Speaking during the commencement of the operation on June 13, Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga said the county government would not tolerate continued disregard of licensing laws.
The crackdown also targeted illegal billboards and other signage placed within the city without the county government's approval. He said the crackdown was informed by a recent investigation that unravelled widespread non-compliance by city traders.
"We will go shop by shop. If you haven’t applied or paid for your business license, do so now. Anyone found with irregular or fake documents will pay double the required fees,” Abala Wanga noted.
