NAIROBI, Kenya– The UK and Kenya have kicked off a three-day workshop aimed at streamlining business regulations to attract investment and spur economic growth.
The event, held in Nairobi, brings together Kenyan officials and UK trade experts to address regulatory challenges that hinder business operations in Kenya.
The initiative seeks to simplify complex regulations, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and create a business-friendly environment.
British businesses operating in Kenya have long cited high electricity costs, intricate tax regimes, and stringent import procedures as major obstacles.
Kenyan firms, meanwhile, struggle with a constantly shifting regulatory landscape that makes compliance difficult.
Richlove Mensah, the UK’s Director of Trade and Investment for East Africa, emphasized the importance of regulatory reform.
“No business environment is perfect, but Kenya must seize its economic potential and implement rapid regulatory changes that unlock jobs and growth—ultimately putting more shillings in people’s pockets,” he said.
The workshop also aligns with Kenya’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost intra-African trade by harmonizing regulations.
Experts from organizations such as the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the British Standards Institution (BSI) are sharing insights on improving regulatory frameworks, accreditation, and trade facilitation.
According to Walter Ongeti, CEO of KENAS, accreditation is crucial for ensuring regulatory reliability and building trust in the business environment.
KEBS Managing Director Esther Nagari echoed this, highlighting the need for a transparent and evidence-based regulatory system that encourages investment.
British businesses are among the largest foreign investors in Kenya, with over 150 UK enterprises employing more than 250,000 Kenyans.
Trade between the two nations reached £1.7 billion in the year leading to Q3 2024—an 8% increase from the previous year.
The workshop is part of the UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, which ensures continued duty-free access to the UK market for Kenyan goods.
By fostering better regulation, both countries aim to reduce trade barriers, attract investment, and create a more predictable business environment, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers alike.
