Kiambu County Assembly passes Finance Bill 2025, offering major relief to traders

The Kiambu County Assembly has passed the County Finance Bill, 2025, after two days of intense scrutiny and vibrant debate, a move that brings major relief to traders through reduced charges and a more flexible licensing system.

The Bill, which was read for the second time on Tuesday, underwent extensive deliberations as Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) worked to strike a balance between the county’s revenue needs and the welfare of residents and local businesses.

Among the key amendments is the adjustment of the trading license validity period. Previously valid for a calendar year, the license will now remain valid for twelve working months from the date of issue. The change, widely viewed as progressive, promotes fairness for traders by ensuring that those who obtain licenses later in the year receive full value for their payments.

Another significant amendment introduces a waiver for youth engaged in videography and photography within public spaces, a move aimed at promoting creativity and youth empowerment. The waiver is expected to encourage greater participation in Kiambu’s fast-growing creative industry.

The amendments received overwhelming support from members. Waweru Wanyutu hailed the new licensing validity structure as “a remarkable step forward for traders in Kiambu County,” noting that it would ease compliance burdens and promote business continuity.

Lawrence Wainaina, a specially elected member representing the youth, applauded the waiver for photographers and videographers, calling it a welcome recognition of young people’s contribution to the creative economy.

During the Committee of the Whole House session chaired by Wachera, members also reviewed several other provisions, including fees charged by the Public Health Department for business premises.

Kamau Boro and Peter Wainaina emphasised the need to make health-related fees more affordable for ordinary citizens. In response, the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Godfrey Mucheke, proposed a 50 percent reduction in Public Health fees for non-food businesses, a motion that was unanimously adopted.

Eric Warugu thanked members for their constructive and spirited debate, describing the outcome as a “win-win situation for both the people of Kiambu and the County Executive.”

The Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Nduta Muongi, expressed appreciation to her colleagues for their commitment, noting that traders in her Limuru Central Ward would particularly benefit from the reduced health license charges and the new flexible license validity period.

The sitting concluded on a high note, with the passage of the Finance Bill marking a major milestone in Kiambu County’s fiscal planning for the year ahead.

In his closing remarks, Speaker Charles M. Thiong’o commended members for their unity and diligence, noting that Kiambu is among the first counties in Kenya to pass its Finance Bill for 2025.