By Margaret Naishorua

Business leaders, county officials and residents from West Pokot, Trans Nzoia and Turkana counties have backed government plans to simplify county business licensing, saying the reforms could make it easier and cheaper for entrepreneurs to start and run businesses across Kenya.

The stakeholders spoke during a public participation forum in Kapenguria organised by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry through the State Department for Investment Promotion.

The meeting gathered public views on proposed amendments to the County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024, which seeks to introduce more streamlined, transparent and harmonised licensing procedures across counties.

West Pokot County Executive Committee Member for Trade Joshua Ruto said the proposed reforms would reduce delays, paperwork and the burden faced by traders when seeking business permits.

“The objective is to make doing business easier. Through a single application process, entrepreneurs will be able to apply online and receive their licenses within a short time,” Ruto said.

He said the new system would also help curb fraud by eliminating opportunities for individuals posing as county licensing officers to extort money from unsuspecting traders.

Under the proposed law, businesses requiring several county permits will be allowed to submit a single application through a one-stop licensing system instead of moving from one office to another.

Each county will also be required to establish a County Licensing Board to oversee fair, transparent and efficient licensing procedures.

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry West Pokot Vice Chairperson Mark Loriso welcomed the proposed changes, saying they would particularly benefit micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Harmonized licensing procedures will reduce duplication, lower compliance costs and improve the ease of doing business, especially for MSMEs,” Loriso said.

The reforms are expected to support investment by reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, improving access to public services and strengthening transparency in county licensing.

Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion Abubakar Hassan Abubakar said the government was committed to creating a more investor-friendly business environment while respecting the constitutional role of county governments.

He said the reforms would boost investor confidence, support economic growth, create jobs and improve service delivery across the country.

The public participation exercise is part of the government’s wider efforts to gather views from stakeholders before the proposed changes are finalised and implemented.