Murkomen Responds To Gospel Artist's Appeal, Offers Alternative To Car

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday, April 17 came to the intervention of gospel artist Mercy Jerop, whose appeal for a car from him went viral.

Jerop was photographed holding up a placard requesting the CS to buy her a car, stating that it would be a boost for her as she carries out her mandate in the gospel ministry.

"Gospel artist Mercy Jerop. Please Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, buy me a car to aid my ministry," read the placard.

Murkomen in a statement expressed his readiness to support the gospel artist, revealing that she had her own business as a salonist before she was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic like many of her fellow businesspeople in 2020.

Gospel artist Mercy Jerop Sitienei's appeal to Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen on Sunday, April 16, 2023. /FACEBOOK.KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN

However, upon discussions with her, the CS agreed to support her business which would be profitable for her gospel ministry in the future.

"Mercy was a salonist who like many other entrepreneurs suffered a major setback in 2020 because of COVID. We have discussed how I can support the revival of her business.

"We have agreed that even though a car may be important for her ministry, it’s better to support a sustainable business that can finance her gospel ministry in the long run," Murkomen stated.

Nonetheless, the former Elgeyo Marakwet senator congratulated Jerop for her service to God and mankind, quoting Isaiah 52:7 which states “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

On November 1, 2022, Trade, Industry and Investments Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria stated that the government was eyeing the launch of the single business permit project by January 2023, which was one of President William Ruto's promises during the campaigns leading up to the August 9 elections.

"A single business permit has to be a reality. Governor Sakaja and myself, we have agreed to pilot this in Nairobi. We are looking at areas of opportunities, not just cost issues but bureaucratic issues," said Kuria.

"We will work together and by the first week of January, Nairobi we will have implemented the single business permit."

On his part, representatives from the Nairobi County government led by Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri expressed their support for the move.

Muchiri noted that the administration would implement security measures on the permits so that traders do not take advantage of the exercise.

"When you get to pay for a specific permit, we create one single permit that is going to have a QR code so if anybody checks they can see that you are actually licensed. We are not going to drop revenue streams," said Muchiri.

The implementation of the single business permits was one of President Ruto's campaign promises, despite noting that many Kenyan youths were struggling to set up their businesses given the numerous requirements by the federal and county governments on permits.

Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria. /FACEBOOK