The UK and Kenya have joined forces to hold a three-day workshop for Kenyan officials to improve regulations that underpin the running of businesses in Kenya.
According to the press release on March 11,2025, the event, held at the East-African economic hub of Nairobi, aimed to address challenges faced by businesses while operating in Kenya and targets homegrown and those looking to establish themselves in the country. It will also provide Kenyan officials with the tools to better regulate how businesses operate in Kenya, by learning how these are applied and implemented in the UK. Increased efficiencies in this space would also boost intra-African trade through increased compliance with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“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, “Richlove Mensah, Director, Trade and Investment, Kenya & Regional Director, East Africa.
British businesses have reported that the challenging operating environment is the main barrier to business operations in Kenya, along with power outages and high electricity costs. The challenges cited include onerous import procedures, a complex tax regime, and local ownership requirements in some service sectors including the insurance sector.
“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, “UKAS’s International Director, Rob Bettinson.
According to the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), Kenyan businesses also face challenges. These include a complex regulatory landscape that frequently changes, meaning businesses may struggle to stay up to date with evolving requirements to stay compliant, whilst at the same time achieving accreditation can be hard, as regular training, assessments, and upskilling are necessary to meet evolving accreditation requirements.
“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.
We look forward to continuing collaborating, alongside our Standards Partnership and Commonwealth Standards Network programmes, which both have the potential to accelerate progress and unlock future opportunities to benefit consumers, organizations and governments around the world.”Daniel Mansfield, Head of Policy Engagement at BSI (British Standards Institute) said:
The workshop is another example of the UK being a long-term partner for long-term economic growth, and supports the business environment reforms as set out 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.
