Kenya Proposes National Trade Development Bill to Streamline Licensing and Boost Exports

Kenya has introduced the National Trade Development Bill, 2025, a proposed law designed to boost exports, lower the cost of doing business, and improve coordination across the country’s trade ecosystem. Developed by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, the Bill seeks to establish a harmonised national framework for trade development by streamlining licensing requirements, reducing duplicative permits, and aligning trade-related functions between national and county governments. The move is expected to address long-standing inefficiencies that have increased compliance costs for exporters and investors. The proposed legislation aims to improve policy coherence, strengthen export promotion mechanisms, and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness in regional and global markets. By simplifying regulatory processes, the government hopes to encourage more businesses, particularly SMEs, to participate in export-oriented activities. Public participation on the Bill is currently underway and will run until February 11, 2026, allowing stakeholders from the private sector, counties, and trade bodies to submit views before the legislation is finalised and tabled in Parliament. Why This Matters Reduces regulatory fragmentation and licensing inefficiencies Lowers compliance costs for exporters and businesses Strengthens Kenya’s export competitiveness and trade governance Opportunity Sector Trade, Manufacturing, Export Promotion, SMEs Businesses: Faster licensing and reduced administrative costs Exporters: Improved coordination and support across trade agencies Investors: A clearer and more predictable trade development framework Follow @MotoSeenAfrica for more updates on business, trade, investments, opportunities and economic growth across Africa. Moto Seen Africa — Africa’s View, Seen Clearly. #KenyaTrade #ExportGrowth #BusinessReforms #Manufacturing #SMEs #TradePolicy #AfricaBusiness