Hides and skins traders in Turkana County have asked the County Assembly to review charges they say are undermining the viability of their businesses.
Their concerns were presented during a stakeholder engagement supported by Peace Winds Japan, according to a September 25 report by Sacco Review.
Lodwar trader Isaiah Ewoi told the assembly committee that Turkana’s charges were substantially higher than those encountered during benchmarking visits to neighbouring counties.
The traders want cess, licences and transport permits reconsidered, arguing that moving products to the Athi River market already carries significant costs.
County revenue official Hellen Nakaru reported that hides and skins cess generated KSh1.5 million in 2025/2026, below a KSh2 million target.
She also supported reviving the Turkana Tannery, describing it as a potential way to strengthen the sector and improve revenue collection.
Assembly committee chairperson Samal Etubon acknowledged the concerns and expressed support for amendments that could help businesses grow while protecting county revenue.
The reported discussions had not yet produced an enacted reduction in charges. The next step is whether the traders’ proposals translate into changes to the county’s fees and permits.
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