Traders in West Pokot County have received a major boost following a joint initiative by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), the County Government, and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) aimed at strengthening business practices and tax compliance.
During a training held at the Kapenguria Youth Empowerment Centre in West Pokot County, ICPAK North Rift branch Chairman, Leonard Kibet, said the program seeks to equip business onward with essential skills in bookkeeping and financial management.
He noted that proper record-keeping is critical for business continuity, access to government tenders, and compliance with tax obligations.
“We are here to support the business community by training them on how to prepare books of accounts and maintain proper records. This will help them avoid unnecessary penalties and grow sustainable businesses,” he said.
Kibet added that the North Rift Branch, which serves six counties including west Pokot, will continue rolling out similar engagements across the region.
He also highlighted ICPAK’s environmental conservation efforts, revealing plans to plant an additional 2,000 tree seedlings in West Pokot, building on previous initiatives.
West Pokot County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Cooperative Development, Industry and Energy, Joshua Ruto, welcomed the initiative, describing business as a key driver of economic growth and household income.
He said the county government is working to create a more conducive business environment by simplifying licensing processes through a planned one-stop shop.
He also pointed to existing national government funds such as the Women’s Fund, Hustler Fund, and Nyota fund, and disclosed plans to introduce a “Mashinani Biashara Fund” to support local traders, particularly those operating in groups.
“If traders are well trained on how to manage their businesses, repay loans, and comply with tax requirements, we will see economic growth and a reduction in poverty levels in our county,” he said.
Ruto also commended ICPAK for its commitment to environmental conservation, noting that increasing forest cover contributes to improved air quality, water resources, and climate change mitigation.
On behalf of the business community, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kenya (KNNCCI) West Pokot chapter Vice Chair Mark Losiro praised the training, saying it had empowered traders with practical knowledge on daily record-keeping.
“Proper record-keeping will enable traders to understand their profits and meet their tax obligations more effectively,” he said.
However, he used the forum to raise concerns over tax assessment practices by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), particularly the requirement to account for total daily sales without considering the nature of small-scale business operations.
Loriso noted that many traders operate under consignment arrangements, where goods are supplied by the parties and only a small margin from sales constitutes the trader’s actual income. From this margin, he said traders must still meet expenses such as rent and wages.
Photo Caption by Anthony Melly
“Treating total daily sales as income is unfair and does not reflect the true financial position of small businesses,” he said, urging KRA to focus on taxing actual profits rather than gross sales.
He called on KRA officers to exercise professionalism and adopt a more supportive approach when dealing with traders to enhance compliance and build trust.
Additionally, Loriso appealed for the training program to be extended to other parts of the county, including Sigor, Kacheliba, Alale, and Lelan to ensure wider reach and impact.
He reaffirmed the KNCCI commitment to collaboration in fostering a favorable business environment, improving compliance, and driving economic growth in West Pokot County.
By Anthony Melly
