BY MWITI JEFFERS

The Meru County Government is in the process of organizing traders and business people in markets and towns into associations. The associations will elect leadership which will work closely with the County Government to address all challenges in order to create a conducive environment to do business. Governor Kiraitu Murungi has revealed that these are measures being laid down by his administration, to address legal and administrative challenges to ensure a friendly business environment in the County. He spoke when he presided over the Meru Revenue Board stakeholders meeting.

"We want these associations to be the authority in their towns, which will give approval before business owners can be licensed," said Govenor Kiraitu. He added that the associations will work with the County Government to promote cleanliness and beautification of markets and business centers.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Titus Ntuchiu who is also the CEC member for Finance thanked both the revenue collectors and Meru tax payers. He acknowledged the challenges regarding market repairs where he said that contractors have been engaged for Maua, Laare, Kiengu and Kianjai, and some are already on site. The DG also clarified that the County has not purchased dustbins worth Sh400 million, adding that the Department of Environment has a budget of Sh4.2 million for waste collection tools and safety equipment. He urged Meru people to shun negative political rhetoric.

Addressing the function, Meru Revenue Board CEO Dr. John Ntuiti praised the staff dedication and the cooperation by tax payers, which has seen revenue collection for the period from June to December this year, improve to Sh180 million compared to last year’s collection of Sh71 million over the same period. Other speakers at the function were County Secretary Dr. Rufus Miriti who praised the discipline and neatness of the revenue officials, and Chief of Staff Hon. Gideon Kimathi. The Chief of Staff urged the staff to continue doing their work with diligence as a way of supporting Governor Kiraitu’s vision to Make Meru Great. The meeting was also attended by County Government Ministers, Chief Officers and other County Officials.