Three-day workshop equip officials with policy tools to improve regulatory environment and overcome barriers to attract investment and growth
The United Kingdom and Kenya have partnered to host a three-day workshop in Nairobi aimed at improving the regulatory framework that supports business operations in Kenya. The event, held in Nairobi, the economic hub of East Africa, seeks to address the challenges faced by businesses operating in Kenya, both domestic and international, and to provide Kenyan officials with the tools to better regulate business activities by learning from the UK’s regulatory practices.
The workshop, which began today, is designed to enhance regulatory efficiency, ultimately boosting intra-African trade through increased compliance with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Richlove Mensah, Director of Trade and Investment for Kenya and Regional Director for East Africa, emphasized the need for rapid regulatory reforms to unlock economic potential and create jobs. He said, “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. 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, Chief Executive Officer at the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), highlighted the importance of accreditation in ensuring regulatory reliability and fostering trust. He said, “Accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring regulatory reliability, fostering trust by guaranteeing competence, impartiality, and compliance with international standards.”
Esther Nagari, Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), underscored the commitment to advancing Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) that drive economic growth and safeguard consumer interests. She said, “The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is committed to advancing Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) that drive economic growth, facilitate trade, and safeguard consumer interests.
A transparent, predictable, and evidence-based regulatory framework is essential for fostering investment and enhancing industry competitiveness. By integrating key tools such as Regulatory Impact Assessments, post-implementation reviews, and stakeholder engagement, we can create a more efficient and business-friendly regulatory environment.”
Rob Bettinson, International Director of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), expressed his delight in participating in the workshop. He said, “I am delighted to be in Nairobi, representing UKAS in this UK-Kenya workshop to support improvements in regulatory practice. The global recognition of accredited conformity assessment enables a test or certification to be used in multiple markets, reducing costly trade barriers for businesses. By working together to share global good practice on effective quality infrastructures of standards and accreditation, and proportionate and sound regulation, we can promote trade and economic growth in both our countries.”
Daniel Mansfield, Head of Policy Engagement at the British Standards Institution (BSI), emphasized the importance of international standards in policymaking. He said, “We’re delighted to be a part of this event and to share our expertise around international standards and their role in policymaking. Raising awareness and understanding of the value that comes from the use of standards and quality infrastructure to inform policy can bring huge benefits, including helping to enhance business environments, boost trade, and accelerate economic growth.”
British businesses have reported that the challenging operating environment, power outages, and high electricity costs are the main barriers to business operations in Kenya. The challenges also include onerous import procedures, a complex tax regime, and local ownership requirements in some service sectors, including the insurance sector.
KENAS highlighted that Kenyan businesses face a complex regulatory landscape that frequently changes, making it difficult for businesses to stay compliant. Achieving accreditation is also challenging, as regular training, assessments, and upskilling are necessary to meet evolving accreditation requirements.
The UK is one of the largest foreign investors in Kenya, with British companies being among the largest taxpayers in the country. The British High Commission Nairobi estimates that 150 British enterprises currently operate in Kenya, directly employing over 250,000 Kenyans. Trade between the UK and Kenya is currently worth £1.7 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2024, an increase of 8.0% or £129 million over the same period in 2023.
The workshop is part of the UK’s long-term partnership for economic growth and supports business environment reforms as outlined in the UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement. The agreement ensures that all companies operating in Kenya, including British businesses, can continue to benefit from duty-free access to the UK market.
