Kenya: Trade and Investment Information Portal




INTRODUCTION

Kenya is a vibrant East African nation with a growing economy and a strategic location for trade and investment. This portal aims to provide you with the essential information you need to navigate the Kenyan trade and investment landscape.



Country Profile

  • Geography: Kenya borders Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean.

  • Demographics: Population of over 55 million with a young and growing workforce.
  • Economy: Largest economy in East and Central Africa, with strengths in agriculture, tourism, and financial services.
  • Political System: Stable multi-party democracy


    • Import and Export Information

  • Major Exports: Tea, coffee, horticulture (flowers, fruits, vegetables), manufactured goods, and textiles see Trade map

  • Major Imports: Machinery and equipment, petroleum products, motor vehicles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Trade map

  • Trade Agreements: Kenya participates in several trade agreements including the East African Community Common Market (EACCM) and preferential trade agreements with the United States and the European Union WTO

  • Border Control Regulations : The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is responsible for border control and customs regulations. You can find detailed information on the Kenya Revenue Authority's website, including import and export procedures, duty rates, and prohibited goods Kenya Revenue Authority

  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)policy: Kenya welcomes foreign direct investment and offers a generally open and transparent investment climate,there is no general mandatory foreign investment screening process but some sectors may require specific licenses or approvals. Further information can be found on Kenya Investment Promotion Agency (KenInvest) which is the government agency responsible for promoting and facilitating investment in Kenya.

    • Protected Sectors for locals
    A few sectors have restrictions on foreign ownership:

  • Mining: The Mining Act of 2016 requires 60% Kenyan ownership of mineral and artisanal mining companies.

  • Private Security: The Private Security Regulations Act (2016) requires a minimum of 25% Kenyan ownership.

  • Public Limited Companies: Every issue of securities to the public or listed company on the Kenyan Securities Exchange must reserve at least 25% of its ordinary shares for investment by local investors


    • Attractive Sectors for Foreign Investors

    The Kenyan government prioritizes investment in several sectors, including:

  • Manufacturing: Kenya aims to become a regional manufacturing hub, offering incentives for investment in export-oriented manufacturing.

  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT): The government is investing heavily in ICT infrastructure and promoting Kenya as a regional ICT hub.

  • Tourism: Kenya is a world-renowned tourist destination, with opportunities for investment in hotels, lodges, and other tourism-related businesses.

  • Financial Services: The Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) offers a world-class regulatory environment for financial institutions.

    • KEY STEPS IN REGISTERING YOUR COMPANY IN KENYA


    Here's a breakdown of the key steps to register your company in Kenya:



    • Choose a Unique Company Name: Conduct a name search on the eCitizen platform to ensure your chosen name is available.


    • Prepare Required Documents:Gather copies of National ID/Passport, passport-sized photos, and a description of your business activities for all Directors, Shareholders, and Beneficial Owners.


    • Online Registration on eCitizen:If you haven't already, create an account on the eCitizen portal


    • Proceed to register your company: Locate the Business Registration Service section on the eCitizen platform. Choose Your Business Type and proceed to register.


    • Tax registration: Register your company with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for tax purposes. You'll need to obtain a Tax Identification Number (PIN) and comply with relevant tax regulations. The KRA website offers resources and guidance on this process:


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    POST-REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR COMPANY


    Congratulations on registering your company! Now that your business is officially established, it's essential to stay compliant with regulatory requirements to ensure smooth operation and legal standing. Here are the key post-registration obligations you need to fulfill:



    • Annual Filings: Ensure compliance by filing annual reports and tax returns with the relevant authorities.


    • Record Keeping: Maintain accurate financial records and company documents as mandated by law.


    • Permits and Licenses: Depending on your industry and location, additional permits or licenses might be necessary to operate legally.


  • Stay Informed and Compliant
    • Contact us in the button below if you need help regarding any business related matter
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    Operating in Regulated Sectors in KENYA

    In Kenya, most businesses will require some form of licensing or permit to operate legally. However, certain sectors have stricter requirements and may involve additional licensing procedures beyond the standard registration process. Here's a breakdown of some sectors that often require extra licensing in Kenya::

    • Regulated Professions: Professions like medicine, law, engineering, accounting, and architecture require specific professional licenses to practice. These licenses are typically issued by relevant regulatory bodies after meeting qualifications and passing examinations.
    • Financial Sector: Opening a financial institution like a bank, insurance company, or forex bureau requires authorization from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). This involves a rigorous application process and meeting stringent capital adequacy requirements.
    • Security Services: Private security companies need to be registered with the Private Security Regulatory Authority Private Security Regulatory Authority(PSRA)obtain a valid Private Security Service Provider (PSSP) license. This process involves background checks on personnel and meeting security standards.)

    Disclaimer: This information is intended for general guidance only. Regulations can change, and specific requirements may vary depending on your business activity. It's advisable to consult us for your specific industry reqiurements