SHE MEANS BUSINESS| The truth about running a business in Kenya - Phyllis Wakiaga

Speaking on She Means Business, Wakiaga challenged aspiring entrepreneurs to approach business with realism rather than optimism alone. While Kenya presents significant opportunities, she noted that entrepreneurs must ask themselves whether their business idea is scalable and sustainable.

Reflecting on Kenya's manufacturing sector, she acknowledged notable gains over the years, including increased industrial diversification, greater adoption of technology and growing recognition of manufacturing as a key driver of jobs and economic development. However, she pointed out that gaps remain, particularly in infrastructure costs, access to affordable energy, competitiveness and support for local industries.

A major concern for businesses, she said, is policy uncertainty, particularly around the annual Finance Bill. While some tax measures can help expand the revenue base and support government priorities, frequent changes create challenges for businesses trying to plan investments and growth strategies.

"Businesses thrive on predictability," Wakiaga emphasized. When tax policies and regulations shift significantly from one year to the next, companies struggle to make long-term decisions on expansion, hiring and capital investment.

Her message to policymakers is clear: consultation, consistency and predictability are critical for building business confidence. For entrepreneurs and manufacturers alike, success depends not only on innovation and resilience, but also on an environment that enables businesses to plan for the future with certainty.

Watch the full episode of She Means Business for more insights.