Kirinyaga County has netted Sh19 million in taxes from unlicensed bars after launching a crackdown on those operating without permits.
The governor, Anne Waiguru, said her administration will continue to pursue liquor outlets that operate without permits.
Waiguru spoke in Mwea on Tuesday after launching an accelerated road rehabilitation program at the Mwea Rice Irrigation Scheme.
“Bar owners should not allow themselves to be misled by some of their officials who, do not own business in Kirinyaga,” she said, adding she is aware that the chair of bar owners’ association in Kirinyaga who has been pushing for non-payment of licenses despite not owning any bar in the county.
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“When we close your premises, it is the individual trader who is going to lose business and clients and not the chairman,” Waiguru added.
“If you think our taxes are exorbitant, you are free to move to the county of your choice and do your business there, but if you are operating in Kirinyaga, you must comply with the payment of taxes.”
The county launched a unit last week to run the crackdown after several complaints of tax evasion were reported.