Sakaja orders long term businesses to switch to Unified Business Permit
City governor says "the annual UBP for such businesses is ultimately a lot cheaper than the daily cess they have been paying".
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has directed the immediate use of the Unified Business Permit (UBP) system for cess payments by long-term businesses to enhance revenue collection and ease operations.
The UBP, unveiled last month, combines the business, fire, food, health, and advertising licenses into one and is accessible online via Nairobi Pay, the county's e-services portal.
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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 on Sunday.
He addressed a revenue mobilisation meeting that brought together county executives, chief officers, directors in charge of revenue collection, and sub-county administrators.
"The county's revenue outlook is looking good. Last year (FY 2022-2023) was the best in five years and I know the team will surpass [that performance]," the county boss added.
To facilitate payments, residents were urged to use the code *647#, which directs funds to 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).
At the launch in January, Sakaja said the UBP would streamline the process of acquiring business permits, in line with his campaign promise to improve service delivery.
"This electronic solution eliminates the issuance of multiple business permits at various service points, which has also been a key revenue leakage risk," he said.
On Sunday, Sakaja urged the county to embrace technology as it has the potential to increase revenue collection and monitor and facilitate compliance. He said the digitisation of systems and a strict cashless policy will ensure revenue figures increase.
The governor further directed all county executives and chief officers to get involved in revenue collection and mobilisation, alongside 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 said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring Nairobi's prosperity and efficiency in revenue management.
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