Nairobi liquor traders are seeking clarification from Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration over an alleged KSh100,000 levy targeting businesses that sell alcoholic drinks through online shopping and delivery platforms.
The proposed charge has raised concerns among traders who say they already pay applicable county licensing fees and face operational expenses, including rent, salaries, stock and other business costs.
The traders want the county government to explain the legal basis of the reported levy, the businesses expected to pay it and whether the charge applies to individual outlets or each online platform used to reach customers.
Platforms such as Glovo and other delivery services have become channels through which businesses receive orders and deliver products to customers. Traders are now questioning whether operating through these channels should attract an additional county charge.
“A liquor seller using Glovo, UberEats, BoltFood, Jumia or any online store now has to pay additional levies to Sakaja’s men of Ksh100,000 per location for each platform,” a trader who sought anonymity said.
Traders seek legal clarity
At the centre of the dispute is whether the reported KSh100,000 payment is a separate licensing fee or another form of county levy.
Traders are calling on the county administration to identify the legislation authorising the charge and publish the applicable fee schedule to enable businesses to understand their obligations.
They also want clarity on how the fee would be calculated. Questions include whether it applies per business, per online shop or per delivery platform, and whether an outlet using several platforms would be required to pay multiple charges.
The distinctions could have financial implications for businesses that rely on online orders and delivery services to reach customers.
Without clear guidelines, traders argue, businesses may struggle to determine the cost of expanding their online operations or complying with county requirements.
Concerns over enforcement
The traders have also alleged that businesses that fail to pay the reported levy risk raids by county enforcement officers, commonly known as Kanjo, with claims of stock confiscation and employee arrests.
The allegations require a response from the Nairobi County Government, which has been urged to explain the legal grounds for any enforcement action and the procedures available to businesses disputing the charge.
The claims have not been independently established in the material available for this report.
Traders want assurance that any collection and enforcement measures are backed by the law and that businesses have a clear process for challenging fees they consider unlawful or incorrectly applied.
County urged to explain policy
The dispute highlights the need for transparency in county revenue collection, particularly where charges may affect businesses already operating under existing licensing requirements.
“The traders are asking Governor Sakaja’s administration to clarify the legality of the alleged KSh100,000 levy, explain why an additional charge is necessary for already licensed businesses and outline the procedures governing raids, confiscations and arrests,” one of the traders said.
“A formal explanation from the county would help establish the scope of the reported charge and give affected businesses a clearer understanding of their obligations.”
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