THE United Kingdom and Kenya have launched a joint initiative to strengthen Kenya’s business regulatory framework. A three-day workshop that began in Nairobi on Tuesday brings together key Kenyan officials and British regulatory experts to address challenges that businesses face when operating in Kenya.
The collaboration aims to simplify regulations, foster a more transparent business environment, and boost Kenya’s competitiveness both regionally and globally. It also aligns with Kenya’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Enhancing Kenya’s business environment
Speaking on the first day of the workshop, Richlove Mensah, Director of Trade and Investment for Kenya and Regional Director for East Africa at the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, highlighted the urgency of reform.
‘Whilst no business environment will ever be perfect, Kenya must seize its economic potential and introduce rapid reforms to regulation that will unlock jobs and economic growth—ultimately putting more shillings in the pockets of the people,’ Mensah said.
He stressed that the UK is applying its regulatory expertise to support Kenya’s efforts. ‘We go far when we go together,’ Mensah added, referring to the strong partnership between the two nations.
Driving good regulatory practices
Kenya’s regulatory bodies are taking part in the initiative to ensure lasting improvements. Dr Walter Ongeti, CEO of the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), pointed to the role of accreditation in building trust. ‘Accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring regulatory reliability, fostering trust by guaranteeing competence, impartiality, and compliance with international standards,’ he said.
Esther Ngari, Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing Good Regulatory Practices (GRP). She underscored the importance of transparency, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based policymaking. ‘A predictable regulatory framework is essential for fostering investment and enhancing competitiveness,’ Ngari said.
UK experts share global best practices
Representatives from the UK shared insights into regulatory efficiency and the global benefits of standards and accreditation. Rob Bettinson, International Director at the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), emphasised the importance of accredited conformity assessments. ‘Global recognition of accreditation reduces costly trade barriers for businesses,’ he said.
Daniel Mansfield, Head of Policy Engagement at the British Standards Institution (BSI), spoke on the impact of standards in policymaking. ‘Raising awareness about standards can enhance business environments, boost trade, and accelerate economic growth,’ Mansfield said. He noted that ongoing collaborations like the Commonwealth Standards Network aim to unlock further opportunities.
Challenges facing businesses in Kenya
Despite Kenya’s potential as an East African economic hub, British businesses cite persistent challenges. These include complex import procedures, a complicated tax system, high electricity costs, and local ownership requirements in sectors like insurance.
KENAS also reports that many Kenyan businesses struggle with evolving regulations. Achieving and maintaining accreditation requires regular training and upskilling, which can be difficult to manage.
Supporting the UK-Kenya economic partnership
This workshop builds on the UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, which supports long-term economic growth by improving the business environment. The agreement ensures that Kenyan and British businesses benefit from duty-free access to the UK market, providing an incentive for continued collaboration.
By reforming its regulatory landscape, Kenya aims to attract more investment, support intra-African trade under the AfCFTA, and create new opportunities for its businesses and citizens.
