Govt reaffirms commitment to fair and competitive market economy
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 18, 2026Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to building a fair and well-regulated market economy that allows businesses to grow and compete on equal terms.
Principal Secretary at the National Treasury, Chris Kiptoo, made the remarks on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, during the launch of a peer review report examining Kenya’s competition and consumer protection framework.
The report was conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, a global body that develops policy standards and best practices among governments. The review assessed how Kenya enforces competition rules and protects consumers in its markets.
Kiptoo said Kenya remains focused on maintaining an open and competitive economy.
“PS Dr. Chris Kiptoo @Kiptoock today reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to building a fair, competitive and well-regulated market economy, emphasising the country’s leadership in advancing open markets where businesses can grow, compete and thrive,” National Treasury said in a post on X account.
The peer review provides an independent assessment of Kenya’s progress in promoting competition and protecting consumers. According to Kiptoo, the report will help the government identify areas that need improvement while strengthening existing systems.
Strengthening market oversight
Kenya has made several reforms in recent years to improve market regulation and protect consumers from unfair practices. These efforts include strengthening enforcement powers and improving coordination between regulatory institutions.
The review focused in part on the work of the Competition Authority of Kenya, which oversees market competition and consumer protection in the country. The authority investigates anti-competitive conduct, reviews mergers and acquisitions, and takes action against businesses that violate competition laws.
The OECD review serves as an international benchmark for Kenya’s regulatory framework. It also provides recommendations on how the country can improve its systems to ensure markets remain fair and competitive.
Treasury officials said the findings will help guide future policy decisions aimed at strengthening consumer protection and supporting a stable business environment.
The government expects that stronger competition rules will encourage investment, support innovation and improve services for consumers across the country.