Doing Business with Kenya

Kenya's economy thrives as a free enterprise system, boasting a robust industrial base that outshines its counterparts in the central and eastern African region. Recent population data indicates that Kenya's populace had risen to 38.6 million as of 2009, showcasing a notable increase of approximately 10 million compared to the 28.7 million registered in the 1999 census.

Position in the East African Community:

The country commands a significant proportion of the East African Community's total population, accounting for around 40% of the collective 80 million people. This demographic vitality positions Kenya as both a sizable market and a strategic nexus for investment, tourism, and trade. Leveraging its accessibility to export destinations including the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), other African markets, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, Kenya serves as a pivotal trade and communications hub for the sub-region. Notably, Kenya's trading prospects with distant markets such as the United States, Canada, and Australia have expanded due to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

International Affiliations and Trade Agreements:

Kenya's business landscape is buttressed by membership in various commercial and economic organizations, fostering a secure and conducive environment for business activities. 

Key Facilitating Institutions for Business in Kenya

1) The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)

KEBS is responsible for establishing, supervising, and harmonizing quality standards for both domestic and international goods and services manufactured in Kenya. It also regulates and ensures quality compliance for foreign goods entering the country. KEBS aligns with international standardization practices while safeguarding the integrity of products in the Kenyan market.

Website: www.kebs.org

2) The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)

KEPHIS is entrusted with enforcing regulatory procedures related to phytosanitary requirements for import and export services concerning agricultural produce. It acts as a reliable regulatory body to ensure the quality of agricultural inputs and outputs.

Website: www.kephis.org

3) The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK)

CAK oversees the licensing and regulation of telecommunications, radio communications, and postal services in Kenya. It provides an enabling environment for potential investors in these sectors.

Website: www.cck.go.ke

4) The Centre for Business Information in Kenya (CBIK)

Operated under the Export Promotion Council, CBIK's objective is to offer timely, reliable, and updated business information across various enterprise levels. It functions as a central hub for a national network of diverse business information sources.

Website: www.cbik.or.ke

5) The Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA)

HCDA offers guidance to growers, exporters, and processors to enhance the production of high-quality horticultural produce for both local consumption and export. It also holds the responsibility of licensing horticultural exporters.

Website: www.kenyaweb.com

6) The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB)

KTB is tasked with promoting Kenya as a premier tourist destination, highlighting its abundant natural attractions, cultural diversity, and recreational activities. Kenya's appeal spans from savannah landscapes teeming with wildlife to equatorial forests and snow-capped mountains.

Contact:

Kenya Tourist Board - Head Office

Kenya-Re Towers, Ragati Road

P.O. BOX 30630 - 00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 20 2749 000, +254 20 2711 262

Fax: +254 20 271 9925

Email: info(at)kenyatourism.org

7) The Kenya Investment Authority (KIA)

KIA serves as a comprehensive platform for prospective investors looking to invest in Kenya. It expedites the approval and licensing processes for new investment projects and conducts investment promotion activities on both local and global scales. The KIA's holistic approach streamlines the investment process and provides valuable project proposals and opportunities.

Contact:

Kenya Railways Headquarters, Block D

Workshop Road, off Haile Selasie Avenue

P.O. Box 55704- 00200 City Square

Nairobi, Kenya.

Tel: (254) (20) 2221401 - 4,

Mobile: (254) (722) 205424/209902

Mobile: (254) (733) 601184

Fax: (254) (20) 22243862

Email: info(at)investmentkenya.com

Website: www.investmentkenya.com

Business Institutions and Associations: Bridging the Gap

1) The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Chamber acts as a lobbying body, advising both the government and businesses on local and international trade trends. It stands as a voluntary yet influential platform for the business community, offering insights and collaborations across the nation.

Contact:

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry

P.O. Box 47024

Nairobi

Tel.00254-20-220867

“ - 20-333468

Fax.00254-20-334293

E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

2) The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE)

FKE, established in 1959, champions the interests of employers and investors across various sectors. It promotes competitive local manufacturing within a liberalized market environment.

Website: www.fke-kenya.org

3) The Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK)

FPEAK is dedicated to elevating the horticultural sector through market intelligence, export promotion, technical support, and training. It collaborates with relevant bodies to ensure the quality of fresh produce in both local and international markets.

Website: www.africaonline.co.ke/fpeak

4) The Kenya Flower Council

This organization ensures responsible and environmentally safe production of cut flowers and related products, enhancing Kenya's competitiveness in both local and global markets. Stricter quality standards and regular audits are key components of its mission.

Website: www.kenyaflowers.co.ke

5) The Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA)

KIFWA upholds fairness and efficiency in freight management. Its members play a crucial role in facilitating import and export logistics, contributing to the movement of goods within and beyond Kenyan markets.

Contact:

Kenya International Freight & Warehousing Association

Bishop Garden Towers,

Bishops Road

P.O. Box 57969

Nairobi

Tel. 00254-20-2717071

“ -20-2727806

Fax. 00254-20-2722536

“ -20-213952

E-mail: [email protected]

6) The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)

KEPSA serves as the unifying body for private sector associations in Kenya. It offers a comprehensive resource for locating product or service associations, fostering ease of access for investors, traders, professionals, and consumers.

Contact:

Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Bishops Garden Towers- 1st Floor Bishops Road, P.O. Box 3556, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya:

Tel. 00254-20-2730371/2, Fax. 00254-20-2730374

E-mail: [email protected]

7) The Kenya Association of Manufacturers

Established in 1959, this organization represents manufacturers in Kenya, driving industrialization through competitive local manufacturing within a liberalized market.

Please note that this information is current as of my last knowledge update in September 2021. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to official sources and institutions.