This archive report was first published on 21 July 2021.
On July 21, 2021, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) organized a Regulatory Bootcamp to discuss the challenges faced by SMEs in Kenya.
During the event, the Principal Secretary at the Ministry of EAC and Regional Development, Dr. Kevit Desai, emphasized the importance of synergy between the government and the business community.
"Our thoughts, as government and the business community, need to collectively address challenges in policies, legislation, regulations, standards, and facilitative actions such as infrastructure," Dr. Desai explained.
The Ministry of Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise Development also reaffirmed its commitment to driving SME growth, highlighting initiatives such as the Local Content Policy, foreign direct investment, and the establishment of special economic zones and industrial parks.
However, KAM Manufacturing SME Hub Chair, Ciiru Waweru, noted that numerous regulations and arduous regulatory regimes make it difficult to invest in Kenya.
"When effectively implemented, regulations create an enabling environment for competitiveness, but when overdone, they can stifle SME growth and reduce competitiveness and productivity," Waweru said.
The event was attended by representatives from various government agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, and the Competition Authority of Kenya.
