North Rift SMEs Urged to Register Businesses for Security and Growth
Echoing his sentiments, Keffer Claire, County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Energy in West Pokot County, dismissed allegations that county enforcement officers intentionally harass SME operators.
A resident gives his views during a meeting on micro small enterprise in Eldoret
By Jessica Nyaboke
Uasin Gishu’s Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) of Soy Sub-county, Henry Rop, has called on Micro and Small Enterprises (SMEs) in the North Rift region to register their businesses, emphasizing that registration ensures security and long-term sustainability.
Speaking during a public participation forum that brought together SME stakeholders from the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) counties, Rop expressed concern over the growing number of unregistered businesses operating under the radar to avoid taxation. He warned that such practices ultimately expose entrepreneurs to losses and legal challenges.
“It is very unfortunate that many SMEs operate incognito in an attempt to evade tax. However, what they don’t realize is that operating outside the legal framework puts their businesses at great risk,” said Rop. “In case of any eventuality, such as fire, theft, or disputes, unregistered businesses have little legal ground for recourse.”
Rop noted that several businesses have recently been raided or suffered losses, leaving owners without the protection of formal structures. He advised entrepreneurs to take advantage of government programs aimed at supporting small businesses, including training and access to funding.
With many youth graduating from universities and colleges each year, the DCC encouraged them to consider starting small businesses as a way of generating income and reducing unemployment. “Young people should not shy away from engaging in the jua kali sector. With the right mindset and dedication, they can earn just as well as those in the formal job market,” he added.
Echoing his sentiments, Keffer Claire, County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Energy in West Pokot County, dismissed allegations that county enforcement officers intentionally harass SME operators.
She clarified that most complaints stem from vendors unlawfully displaying goods on highways and other restricted areas, putting themselves and road users at risk.
Claire emphasized that West Pokot County has allocated designated areas where SMEs can operate safely and legally, free from interference. “We are not against SMEs. On the contrary, we support them. But we must also ensure order and public safety,” she stated.
Both leaders urged entrepreneurs to seek guidance from county offices and trade departments on how to properly register and structure their businesses for success.
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