Kenya, UK hold workshop to improve business regulation

Kenya and the UK have joined forces to hold a three-day workshop for Kenyan officials to improve regulations that underpin the running of businesses in Kenya.

The event, held in Nairobi, aims to address the challenges businesses face while operating in Kenya and targets both homegrown and those looking to establish themselves in the country.

It will also provide Kenyan officials with the tools to better regulate the way businesses can operate in the country by learning how these are applied and implemented in the UK.

Increased efficiencies in this space would also boost intra-African trade through increased compliance with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking on Tuesday on the first day of the workshop, Richlove Mensah, Director of Trade and Investment for Kenya and Regional Director for East Africa, said, “Kenya must seize its economic potential and introduce rapid reforms to regulation that will unlock jobs and economic growth - ultimately putting mores shillings in the pockets of the people.”

“We want to capitalize on a bumper year of trade through this excellent and timely UK-Kenya partnership. The UK is listening to the challenges, and we are applying our regulatory excellence to help deliver the solutions as a long-term partner for Kenya – we go far when we go together.”

Dr Walter Ongeti, the Chief Executive Officer at the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), said:

“Accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring regulatory reliability, fostering trust by guaranteeing competence, impartiality, and compliance with international standards.”

British businesses have reported that the challenging operating environment is the main barrier to business operations in Kenya, along with power outages and high electricity costs.

The challenges cited include onerous import procedures, a complex tax regime, and local ownership requirements in some service sectors, including the insurance sector.

According to KENAS, Kenyan businesses also face a complex regulatory landscape that frequently changes, meaning businesses may struggle to stay up to date with evolving requirements while also achieving accreditation.

KENAS says regular training, assessments, and upskilling are necessary to meet evolving accreditation requirements.