Dr Esther Muchemi Calls for One Comprehensive Business Licensing Guide to Ease Compliance in Kenya

Samchi Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Esther Muchemi has called on the government to streamline business licensing requirements and publish a comprehensive, publicly accessible guide detailing all permits, licences, levies and fees required to operate businesses in Kenya.

Dr Muchemi, popularly known as Madam CEO, said business owners need clear and accessible information to comply with regulatory requirements, arguing that uncertainty over the multiple approvals required to run an enterprise can expose entrepreneurs to unexpected penalties, disruptions and confrontations with enforcement officers.

In an appeal directed at the government, she proposed consolidating licensing information across national and county government agencies and making it readily available through eCitizen, official government websites, county offices and other accessible public channels.

Her concerns particularly affect the hospitality industry, where business operators may need to obtain several approvals from different regulatory bodies, depending on the nature and location of their establishments.

Beyond a County Single Business Permit, hospitality businesses may require approvals such as a Tourism Regulatory Authority licence, tourism levy compliance, a food hygiene licence and a fire safety certificate, among other applicable requirements.

Businesses that play music for customers may also need to understand the respective roles of organisations involved in copyright administration and music licensing, including the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) and the Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP).

The different requirements, she argued, can leave entrepreneurs struggling to establish precisely which licences apply to their businesses, how much they should pay, where to obtain the approvals and when renewals are due.

“COMPLIANCE SHOULD BEGIN WITH CLEAR INFORMATION, NOT SURPRISES AND PENALTIES!” she said, emphasising that entrepreneurs need practical guidance rather than discovering regulatory obligations during enforcement operations.

Dr Muchemi also questioned the manner in which some enforcement activities are conducted, urging institutions to avoid intimidation and harassment of business owners.

She maintained that businesspeople are willing to comply with the law but need regulatory agencies to communicate their requirements clearly and treat entrepreneurs fairly.

“Knowing what is law will liberate us! We hate fights!” she said, calling for a more transparent relationship between businesses and regulatory authorities.

Her proposal is for the government to develop a centralised licensing guide categorised by business type, with clear information on the responsible agency, applicable fees and levies, application procedures, renewal timelines and legal requirements.

Such a resource would help new entrepreneurs understand their obligations before opening businesses while enabling existing enterprises to identify and address any outstanding compliance requirements.

The proposed guide could also reduce confusion arising from overlapping regulatory mandates and help business owners distinguish between mandatory statutory requirements and approvals applicable only to particular activities.

Dr Muchemi further called for a temporary amnesty for business owners who may have failed to meet certain requirements because they were unaware of them. She suggested that the government consider granting the business community a transition period, potentially in the following year, during which punitive penalties would be waived to allow entrepreneurs to regularise their operations.

She argued that a clearly communicated compliance framework, accompanied by a reasonable transition period, would encourage businesses to meet their obligations without placing unnecessary pressure on entrepreneurs who are trying to establish and sustain their enterprises.

The appeal comes amid wider discussions about the cost of doing business, regulatory efficiency and the need to create an environment in which enterprises can grow, employ more Kenyans and contribute to national economic development.

For small and medium-sized businesses in particular, uncertainty over licensing costs and regulatory procedures can complicate budgeting and business planning. A consolidated guide would provide a practical reference point for entrepreneurs seeking to understand their legal obligations and avoid preventable compliance disputes.

Dr Muchemi urged fellow businesspeople to share their experiences of unexpected licences, levies and penalties, saying an open discussion could help highlight recurring challenges and inform possible reforms.

Her central message is that transparency and compliance should go hand in hand: businesses must meet lawful requirements, while government agencies should ensure that those requirements are clearly communicated, easily accessible and consistently administered.

A comprehensive national licensing guide, supported by coordinated action between national and county governments, could help bridge that gap and give entrepreneurs greater confidence in navigating Kenya’s regulatory environment.

For Madam CEO, the objective is straightforward: make the rules clear, give businesses a fair opportunity to comply and allow entrepreneurs to focus on building enterprises, creating jobs and contributing to the economy.

Dr Esther Muchemi — Madam CEO