Kenya and United Kingdom (UK) hold workshop to improve business regulation and put shillings in people’s pockets
The UK and Kenya have joined forces to hold a three-day workshop for Kenyan officials to improve regulations on business operations in Kenya.
The event is held at the East African Economic Hub in Nairobi to address the challenges faced when operating a business in Kenya and to produce and hope to build their own people in the country. It will also better regulate how Kenyan businesses operate in Kenya by understanding how these tools can be applied and implemented in the UK. Even with increased compliance with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), increased efficiency in this area will also enhance intra-Africa trade.
Speech on the first day of the seminar:
Richlove Mensah, Director of Trade and Investment, Regional Director, Kenya and East Africa, said:
“While no business environment will be perfect, Kenya must seize its economic potential and introduce rapid reforms into regulation that will unlock employment and economic growth, ultimately making people more shillings.
We hope to capitalize on the harvest trade through this excellent and timely British Kenya partnership. The UK is listening to these challenges and we are applying excellence in regulation to help provide solutions as long-term partners in Kenya – when we are together, we go further. ”
Dr. Walter Ongeti, CEO of Kenas, said:
“Certification plays a crucial role in ensuring regulatory reliability and promoting trust through guaranteeing capacity, impartiality and compliance with international standards.”
Esther Nagari, Managing Director of Kenya Standards Bureau (KEBS), said:
“The Kenya Standards Bureau (KEB) is committed to advancing good regulatory practices (GRP) to drive economic growth, promote trade and safeguard consumer interests. A transparent, predictable and evidence-based regulatory framework is critical to promoting 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 effective and friendly regulatory environment.”
Rob Bettinson, Uxas International Director, said:
“I am delighted to be in Nairobi, representing UKAS in this British Kenya workshop to support improved regulatory practices. Global recognition of accreditation compliance assessments enables testing or certification in multiple markets, reducing expensive trade barriers for businesses. By working together to share global good practices about standards and certifications and effective quality infrastructure that are proportionally and reasonably regulated, we can promote trade and economic growth in both countries.”
Daniel Mansfield, head of policy participation at BSI (British Institute of Standards), said:
“We are excited to be part of this activity and draw on international standards and their role in decision-making. Raising awareness and understanding of the use of standards and quality infrastructure to inform policies can bring enormous benefits, including helping to enhance the business environment, promote trade and accelerate economic growth.
We look forward to continuing to collaborate, along with our Standard Partnership and Commonwealth Standard Network Programs, which have the potential to accelerate progress and unlock future opportunities to benefit consumers, organizations and governments on a global scale. ”
British businesses report challenging operating environments are a major obstacle to Kenya’s business operations, as well as power outages and high electricity costs. The challenges cited include heavy import procedures, complex taxation systems, and local ownership claims for certain services, including insurance departments.
Kenyan businesses are also facing challenges, according to Kenya Certification Services (KENAS). This includes a complex regulatory landscape that often changes, meaning that businesses may struggle to keep up to date with demand to maintain compliance, while gaining recognition can be difficult because regular training, evaluation and skills improvement are necessary to meet evolving certification requirements.
The workshop is another example of the UK becoming a long-term partner in long-term economic growth and supports the reform of the business environment stipulated in the UK-Kenya Economic Cooperation Agreement. The agreement ensures that all companies operating in Kenya, including UK businesses, can continue to benefit from tax-free entry to the UK market.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the British High Commissioner Nairobi.
