KEPSA and KenInvest Convene Stakeholders to Dialogue on Enhancing Kenya’s Business Climate

Last Updated 1 week ago by Kenya Engineer

The Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) held a high-level roundtable event on May 8, 2025, focused on creating a conducive business environment that supports sustainable economic growth in Kenya. The forum brought together senior government officials from the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), the National Treasury, and private sector leaders, all seeking to discuss critical reforms to enhance Kenya’s business climate.

The event was graced by Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Principal Secretary of the National Treasury, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a predictable and investor-friendly regulatory framework. He emphasized the alignment of fiscal policies with the country’s industrialization objectives.

Mr. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Investment Promotion, also highlighted the Ministry’s focus on eliminating barriers to investment, especially in regulatory processes, licensing, and the ease of doing business.

In his remarks, Mr. John Mwendwa, OGW, Chief Executive Officer of KenInvest, emphasized the significance of the roundtable in driving progressive change. He reiterated KenInvest’s mission to streamline investment processes and create a predictable, enabling environment, reinforcing the importance of public-private partnerships for Kenya’s economic transformation.

Ms. Carole Kariuki, KEPSA’s CEO, led the private sector representatives, stressing the importance of building institutional trust and improving regulatory efficiency. She called for simplified licensing procedures, reduced tax compliance costs, and greater transparency in public-private interactions. “Our collective goal is clear: to craft an enabling business environment that fuels innovation, attracts global investment, and positions Kenya as a beacon of competitiveness in Africa,” she said.

Key priorities for Kenya’s economic leadership were outlined, including leveraging enabler sectors such as manufacturing, ICT & BPO, and agriculture. Among the strategic proposals discussed were establishing an SEZ Ombudsman Office to address investor grievances, launching a global SEZ branding campaign, and implementing customs valuation manuals to simplify trade processes. Additionally, sector-specific agility in green manufacturing, ICT, energy, and social sectors was highlighted as crucial to Kenya’s economic competitiveness.

These discussions align with Kenya’s long-term development goals, with an emphasis on making the country an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investment. The collaborative approach of government and the private sector is poised to unlock Kenya’s economic potential, fostering an environment ripe for growth, innovation, and investment.

Key Takeaways:

• The roundtable focused on regulatory reforms to foster a business-friendly environment.
• Government officials and private sector leaders are aligned on the need to simplify licensing, reduce compliance costs, and promote greater transparency.
• Strategic priorities include harnessing key sectors such as Manufacturing, ICT & BPO, and Agriculture, with a focus on sector-specific reforms to promote growth and investment.
• Public-private partnerships are seen as critical in accelerating Kenya’s economic transformation and competitiveness in Africa.

As Kenya continues to position itself as a leading investment hub in Africa, collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector will be essential to unlocking its economic potential and creating a robust environment for sustainable growth.