NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has invited members of the public and key stakeholders to submit views on the Draft National Trade Development Bill, 2025, in a move aimed at strengthening Kenya’s legal framework for domestic and international trade.
In a public participation notice issued by the State Department for Trade under the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Kenyans were urged to submit written memoranda on the proposed law by Thursday, February 12, 2026. Submissions should be sent via email to psfortrade@gmail.com.
According to the notice, the Bill seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework for trade, with the goal of boosting domestic and export-led growth, improving coordination between national and county governments, and strengthening collaboration with the private sector.
“The Draft National Trade Development Bill, 2025 has been developed to improve coordination between government levels and the private sector, address gaps in trade policy, and align trade development with national goals such as Vision 2030,” the notice stated.
The proposed legislation builds on the National Trade Policy, 2017, which emphasises market efficiency, export growth, and diversification. Officials say the new Bill is intended to modernise Kenya’s trade laws to reflect emerging economic realities, including regional integration, value addition, and global competitiveness.
Among its key objectives, the Bill proposes the establishment of clear legal, institutional and regulatory structures to promote both domestic and international trade. It also seeks to expand domestic trade through product and market diversification, enhance collaboration between national and county governments, and support inclusive economic growth.
The notice further states that the Bill aims to ensure trade policies align with constitutional mandates, broader economic and development priorities, and Kenya’s international trade obligations.
Public participation in the law-making process is a constitutional requirement under Article 10 and Article 118 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which enshrine public participation as a national value and a key principle of parliamentary legislative processes.
The invitation comes as Kenya pursues economic recovery and seeks to position itself as a regional trade hub under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the East African Community.
The State Department for Trade encouraged all interested parties — including businesses, county governments, civil society, and individual citizens — to review the draft and submit their views within the set deadline.
Once the public participation process concludes, the Bill is expected to be refined before being presented to Parliament for debate and possible enactment into law.
