The multiplicity of county licensing requirements in Kenya has long posed significant challenges for businesses operating across different counties. Each of the 47 counties maintains its own licensing procedures, fees, and requirements, creating a complex and often burdensome environment for enterprises. 

Recognizing these challenges, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has consistently advocated for harmonized licensing procedures across counties. These efforts culminated in the enactment of the County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024, in June 2024. This transformative legislation seeks to standardize licensing procedures nationwide, facilitating ease of doing business, reducing administrative burdens, lowering operational costs, and fostering a more conducive environment for business growth and expansion. 

To ensure the successful implementation of the Act, KEPSA continues to collaborate with the State Department for Investment Promotion (SDIP), specifically through the Department of Business Reforms and Transformation. Throughout the week of 20^th January to 24^th 2025, KEPSA is part of a series of county-level workshops aimed at sensitizing county governments’ County Executive Committee Member representatives and private sector stakeholders on the provisions of the Act. These workshops also serve as platforms to gather inputs on the draft County Licensing Framework and Regulations. 

Key issues emerging during these sessions, which require innovative solutions for effective implementation of the Act include: 

• Resource Constraints: Counties face significant challenges in mobilizing the financial and human resources required to establish the structures and systems mandated by the Act, including inter-county digital systems and licensing boards.
• Administrative gray areas: The Act assigns oversight of the licensing board to the Cabinet Secretary responsible for trade at the national level, raising questions about the delineation of powers between county governments and the national government. 
• Model Tariffs and Pricing Policy: Counties need to adopt the Model Tariffs and Pricing Policy developed by the Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA). This policy provides a scientific methodology for costing services and determining licensing fees, ensuring consistency and fairness. 

The successful implementation of the County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024 represents a pivotal step toward fostering a business-friendly environment in Kenya. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and promoting uniformity in licensing procedures, this initiative will unlock significant economic potential and drive sustainable growth across the country.