The nations of the United Kingdom and Kenya have begun a three-day workshop aimed at improving the regulations of businesses in Kenya.
The event, which started on Tuesday in Nairobi, aims to address challenges faced by businesses operating in Kenya and targets both homegrown and those looking to establish themselves in the country.
The workshop will also provide Kenyan officials with the tools to better regulate the way businesses can operate in the country by learning how the same is 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).
Speaking during the first day of the workshop, Richlove Mensah, Director of Trade and Investment, Kenya & Regional Director of East Africa, 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 mores shillings in the pockets of the people.”
The Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), expressed commitment to advancing good regulatory practices that drive economic growth, facilitate trade, and safeguard consumer interest.
"The global recognition of accredited conformity assessment enables a test or certification to be used in multiple markets, reducing costly trade barriers for businesses," UK Accreditation Service International Director, Rob Bettinson said.
"By working together to share global good practice on effective quality infrastructures of standards and accreditation and proportionate and sound regulation."
According to the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), Kenyan businesses face challenges surrounding a complex regulatory landscape often frequently changing, which means that businesses may struggle to stay up to date with evolving requirements to stay compliant.
The workshop stands as another example of the UK being a long-term partner for long-term economic growth and supporting business environment reforms as set out in the UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement.
