Business stakeholders in Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River Counties have welcomed the proposed Trade Development Bill 2025, saying it will ease the cost of doing business and strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness.
They, however, urged the government to ensure its ambitious reforms deliver practical benefits for small and medium enterprises.
Speaking during a public participation forum at the Malindi Municipal Hall, participants said harmonising levies across counties would ease trade and reduce consumer prices.
“A trader transporting goods from Nakuru to Kilifi, for example, should only pay levies at the point of delivery and be spared the agony of paying for goods passing through other counties,” said Patrick Mutuku Kingo of the Malindi Jua Kali Association.
Other concerns raised included high electricity costs, excessive sector-specific levies, and the risk that digital trade platforms could sideline small traders.
