Trade Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has called on various stakeholders to submit proposals for policy and legislative reforms. The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, under Mvurya’s leadership, is set to engage the public, traders, manufacturers, investors, experts, private sector, civil society, professional bodies, academia, and religious groups to gather insights on how to bolster manufacturing, enhance investments, and strengthen consumer protection.
Speaking during a press conference at his office, Mvurya highlighted the need for an inclusive approach to reforming the trade sector. “During our interactions with various stakeholders, we realised that costs and procedures for domestic trade remain burdensome to trade and investments. It is for this reason we decided to do a public participation to collect proposals on policy and legislative reforms,” Mvurya explained.
The Ministry’s call for proposals comes at a critical time when the country’s export performance in manufacturing is struggling, and consumer protection and fair trade exhibit significant gaps across various sectors. Mvurya pointed out that the manufacturing sector’s contribution to Kenya’s GDP has declined from 15% a decade ago to just 7.6% today. This downturn is attributed to several factors, including an unpredictable taxation regime and high power costs, which have collectively hampered the sector’s growth and competitiveness.
To address these challenges, the ministry plans to hold a series of meetings with stakeholders up until September 27. The goal is to gather actionable recommendations that will inform the development of policies aimed at reducing the costs and procedural burdens associated with domestic trade and investments.
Mvurya underscored the Ministry’s commitment to fostering economic growth, noting that it plays a pivotal role in shaping the business environment. Among the representatives present at the press conference were key industry stakeholders, including members from the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Keda Ceramics. Also in attendance were Principal Secretaries Juma Mukhwana (Industry), Alfred K’ Ombudo (Trade), and Abubakar Hassan Abubakar (Investments), who echoed the Ministry’s commitment to a collaborative approach in driving reforms.
The Ministry is specifically seeking proposals on ways to attract direct private investment, both local and foreign, enhance manufacturing output, improve consumer protection, and boost export performance. Discussions will also focus on the harmonization of taxes within the manufacturing sector and measures to ensure product quality, which are critical for maintaining competitiveness in the global market.
Stakeholders, such as the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), expressed their readiness to contribute to the discourse. Vishal Khagram, KNCCI’s national director, welcomed the Ministry’s initiative, noting the importance of stakeholder input in shaping policies that support business growth. “We have been waiting for this. It allows us to give views on how we can contribute to the growth of the economy,” he stated.
Mvurya’s initiative reflects a broader recognition of the need for comprehensive reform in Kenya’s trade and investment policies. By involving a wide array of stakeholders, the Ministry aims to build a robust framework that not only addresses current challenges but also positions Kenya as a competitive hub for manufacturing and trade in the region.
As the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry continues its consultations, the success of these efforts will hinge on the quality and practicality of the proposals received. The collaborative approach adopted by Mvurya and his team sets a hopeful tone for the future of Kenya’s business environment, signaling a commitment to creating a more predictable, efficient, and investor-friendly landscape.
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