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How to register for business license in Nairobi: Get a hawkers and shop permit

how to register for business license in nairobi get a hawkers and shop permit

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Hawking is a way of operating small scale business in kenya through selling from one place to another, this kind of business is operated by many unemployed persons living in city or town; this business earns many a living as opposed to moving in different offices searching for jobs. Most extensive networking manufacturers have adopted this design in order to move their goods in a competitive market.

Hawker business license in kenya is obtained from the town clerk; the hawker must apply for the permit giving details of the place of hawking and the goods or services to be hawked. In case you employ an assistant hawker, an assistant hawker permit is issued, this may apply to physically disabled persons who are involved in businesses like serving refreshments and they lack the ability to do it. The hawking business license cannot be transferred to another person.

Hawker without business license in Nairobi will have their goods impounded, authorized hawkers should wear their badges while on business, the hawkers should be aware that the city council have the duty to inspect their goods and denying them to do that is an offence.

Shops and stores in Nairobi must register their business through application to town clerk; the application should give sufficient particulars of the shop. The application fee is required. All kenya  business  licenses expire on 31st Dec of every year and owners must obtain new ones on beginning of a new year.

Persons working in food stores in kenya must have valid medical certificates, the person should be medically checked and appropriate vaccines given to prove him worth to handle public food, failure to meet those registration requirements will illegalize your business. When operating a food store, hotel, restaurant or butchery expect frequent health inspection to your premises. Keep the health rules in your business premises this will not only avoid closure by court order but it will also please and attract more customers.

When registering your shop ensure that you go to the right town clerk of your area, do not operate your business in Kiambu and register with Nairobi town clerk. Ensure that the particulars of goods and services are legal in that town. The location of the business including the building or land should not have ownership issues.

The benefits of registering for a business license is not only for tax purposes but it safe guards your business, in cases where your business name is not registered a competitor can come up with the same business and name and customers may view yours as the inferior one.

In case of accidents like food poisoning, your business will be safe to be held liable because it is legally known inspected and licensed. Registered business is a long term entity, it will continue even after your death, the business can be transferred through selling; the fruits of unregistered business are temporally.

It is easy to get loans to a registered business as opposed to unregistered business. You can also get government contracts if your business is registered, whole sellers give discounts to registered businesses, recruitment of employees is streamlined in accordance to the law and lastly owners of registered entities are confident in what they are doing.

About the Author

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Born amidst the bustling economic hub of Nairobi, Kinlark Nafasi's story is deeply rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Kenya's capital. As a young boy, Kinlark's inquisitiveness was piqued by the vibrant business activities around him, from the busy street vendors to the towering corporate offices that painted the city's skyline.

This early intrigue was the catalyst for his academic pursuits at one of Kenya's top universities, where he majored in Business Administration. While in university, Kinlark's natural flair for articulating complex business concepts and trends became evident. His articles, often peppered with astute observations and data-driven insights, caught the attention of not just his professors, but local business periodicals as well.

Upon graduation, Kinlark quickly established himself in the world of business journalism. His deep understanding of the African market dynamics, combined with a global perspective, made his writings invaluable. He covered a wide array of topics, from the challenges faced by startups in Nairobi to the macroeconomic policies shaping the East African community.

Kinlark's articles have since been published in renowned international business journals, earning him a reputation as a leading voice on African business matters. Beyond journalism, he has been instrumental in organizing business forums and conferences, fostering a dialogue between entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors.

Today, Kinlark Nafasi continues to chronicle the evolving business landscape of Kenya and Africa as a whole. Through his writings, he endeavors to inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs while providing critical insights to investors and business leaders worldwide.


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