Nairobi businesses push for lower licensing costs, fewer regulations

• The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Nairobi Chapter says businesses need an efficient operating environment to remain competitive.
• Among the key concerns raised during a briefing ahead of the upcoming Governors’ Roundtable are the cost of county licences, as well as delays and bureaucratic hurdles in accessing county services.

A general view shows the central business district in downtown Nairobi, Kenya. PHOTO I REUTERS

Businesses in Nairobi are calling for a reduction in the cost of doing business, as the private sector seeks changes to licensing and regulatory processes.

These are some of the issues expected to feature prominently at the Governors’ Roundtable this week.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Nairobi Chapter says businesses need an efficient operating environment to remain competitive.

“We are looking at how we will be able to have a proper partnership with solutions and make Nairobi an area with an ecosystem which is very predictable — this is how you can run your business,” said KNCCI Nairobi Chapter Chairman Dr. James Mwaura.

Among the key concerns raised during a briefing ahead of the upcoming Governors’ Roundtable are the cost of county licences, as well as delays and bureaucratic hurdles in accessing county services.

“My first priority will be the regulations: how do you access the county…The multiple regulations of doing business, so we need to have a single cost on whatever business you want to deal with. So if you are putting up a hotel, we need to narrow down those licenses which you need,” Mwaura added.

The private sector is also seeking improved infrastructure and services, especially as the country gears up for the projected El Niño rains.

Businesses say lowering these costs will help them grow while keeping prices affordable for consumers.

The business community now wants the engagement with Nairobi County to result in specific actions, including a review of some regulations and the streamlining of county approvals.

“That kanjo culture is no longer there where every time it was running away from kanjo, I mean we have dignified even the way we do our enforcement… It cannot just be us as the county seated in an office coming up with solutions. We want to co-create these solutions together for a better Nairobi and for a thriving Nairobi,” Markets and Trade County Chief Officer Jane Wangui stated.

The outcome of the Governors’ Roundtable this Thursday is expected to determine whether these concerns translate into practical changes for businesses operating in the capital.