Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered the immediate adoption of the Unified Business Permit (UBP) system for cess payments by long-term businesses.
The move aims to enhance revenue collection and streamline operations.
“Any business that runs consistently at one spot for over six months will be required to acquire a Unified Business Permit (UBP) including in Markets and also those allowed to operate on road reserves,” Sakaja said on Sunday.
The governor emphasized that the county must quickly embrace technology because it has the potential to increase revenue collection, monitor compliance, and facilitate compliance.
The UBP which was launched early this year, combines the business, fire, food, health, and advertising licenses into one and is accessible online via Nairobi Pay, the county's e-services portal.
Under the new regulation, any business operating consistently at a single location for more than six months, including those in markets and those permitted on road reserves, will be required to obtain a UBP.
"The annual UBP for such businesses is ultimately a lot cheaper than the daily cess they have been paying, which mostly doesn't get to the county and leaves them open to daily harassment," Sakaja said.
Addressing a revenue mobilisation meeting, the county boss expressed optimism about the county's financial outlook, citing the previous fiscal year (FY 2022-23) as the best in five years. He urged the team to surpass that performance.
To facilitate payments, residents are encouraged to use the code *647#, directing funds to either Co-operative Bank (account name - Nairobi City County Revenue Collection; account number - 01141709410000) or Equity Bank (account name - Nairobi City County Revenue Collection, account number - 1770279910476).
In addition, Sakaja issued a directive instructing all county executives and chief officers to actively engage in revenue collection and mobilization efforts, collaborating with sub-county authorities.
"They will be required to monitor and assist sub-county and ward administrators in revenue mobilisation exercises. They will also use this opportunity to monitor other on-ground projects and help with decision-making," he added.
