Kenya is setting the stage for a new era of investment reform, following a high-level roundtable that brought together government officials and private sector leaders to chart a clear path toward a more business-friendly climate.

The meeting, convened by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) through the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), and in collaboration with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), aimed to identify and fast-track strategic policy reforms that could accelerate economic transformation.

Dr Chris Kiptoo, Principal Secretary at the National Treasury and chief guest at the event, made it clear that the government was committed to building a predictable and investor-friendly environment.

He emphasised that fiscal policies must work in tandem with Kenya’s industrialisation objectives to yield meaningful growth.

"Through the National Treasury, the government is actively diversifying the economy to ensure we remain stable, maintaining an average growth rate of 5.0 per cent per year, positioning Kenya among the top-performing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa," Kiptoo stated.

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Also addressing the gathering, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, reinforced the Ministry's intention to dismantle barriers hindering investment facilitation.

He pointed to regulatory inefficiencies, licensing delays, and the broader ease of doing business as critical areas demanding urgent redress.

"We have also ensured that we mitigate market risks by addressing the issue of illicit and counterfeit good as a safeguard measure," Abubakar noted.

The event, described by John Mwendwa, Chief Executive Officer of KenInvest, as a timely intervention, was viewed as a launchpad for practical reforms.

"The roundtable is a catalyst for progressive change, aligning with our core mission to streamline investment processes, foster dialogue, and create a predictable, enabling environment," Mwendwa stated.

"It reflects our belief that strong public-private partnerships are key to accelerating Kenya’s economic transformation."

Representing the voice of industry, KEPSA CEO Carole Kariuki urged government institutions to embrace transparency and institutional efficiency, calling for targeted actions to lower compliance costs and streamline licensing systems.

"Our collective goal is clear: to craft an enabling business environment that fuels innovation, attracts global investment, and positions Kenya as a beacon of competitiveness in Africa," Kariuki stated, stressing the importance of swift and collaborative action.

Among the concrete proposals tabled during the roundtable were the establishment of a Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Ombudsman Office to resolve investor grievances, the introduction of a global SEZ branding campaign, and the adoption of customs valuation manuals to simplify trade operations.

Additionally, sector-specific reforms were outlined in key areas including green manufacturing, ICT and BPO, agriculture, energy, and the social sectors.

Discussions also focused on leveraging foundational industries to propel Kenya’s economic leadership across Africa.

By removing systemic barriers and adopting tailored, sector-based strategies, the country hopes to position itself as a top-tier investment hub.

These proposed reforms are expected to substantially improve Kenya’s appeal to both local and international investors while aligning with the country’s long-term development ambitions.