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KEPSA is the private sector apex and umbrella body set up in 2003, to bring together business community in a single voice to engage and influence public policy for an enabling business environment. over 500,000 direct and indirect members..
KEPSA
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KEPSA PARTICIPATES IN THE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP WORKSHOP FOR THE HARMONISATION OF THE COUNTY LICENSING ACT, REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES FRAMEWORK
- Published On: 2025-01-17
KEPSA participated in the Technical Working Group (TWG) Workshop for Harmonization of County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024 Regulations and Guidelines Framework held on 17th January 2025, organized by the State Department of Investment Promotion (SDIP) in collaboration with the Department of Business Reforms and Transformation (DBRT) at the Sarova Panafric Hotel, Nairobi.
The focus of the meeting was on the development of the Regulations and Guidelines framework for the implementation of the County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024.
During the forum, Mr. Cyrus Kimaru, DBRT, gave an overview of the Act and highlighted that the harmonization of county licensing regulations is a critical step towards improving the ease of doing business and fostering a more predictable regulatory environment.
KEPSA acknowledged and supports efforts to streamline licensing procedures while ensuring alignment with existing legal frameworks and private sector interests. KEPSA’s presentation was on the private sector perspectives on county licensing and the following were the key issues and takeaways: -
- Standardization of Licensing Costs and Fees; advocating for the harmonization of application procedures and associated fees across counties.
- The current multiplicity of licenses and charges, including distributor fees, remains a concern. A proposal was made to charge distributor fees at the county of origin to prevent duplicative costs.
- Costs associated with advertising and branding, such as levies imposed on branded distribution vehicles (e.g., Coca-Cola trucks), require review to ensure fairness and consistency.
- Regulatory Framework and Guiding Principles; There is a need for clear and structured guidelines that define the development of licensing regulations, ensuring predictability and accountability.
- The harmonization process should align with existing national and sectoral legislation to prevent regulatory conflicts and enhance legal certainty for businesses.
- Enhancing the Business Environment; The private sector welcomes this initiative as a positive step toward streamlining licensing processes, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies, and improving the overall business climate.
- Composition of the County Licensing Board and Review Committee; KEPSA emphasized the need for broader private sector representation within the County Licensing Board and the Review Committee.
- Increased participation from trade representatives and business associations will enhance transparency and ensure that regulatory decisions reflect the realities of the business environment.
KEPSA reiterated its support and continued commitment to the harmonization of county licensing regulations and continued collaboration between county governments, regulatory bodies, and the private sector. A well-structured and transparent licensing regime will contribute significantly to a more conducive business environment, fostering investment and economic sustainability.