The Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry (MITI), under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, has issued a public call for proposals on legislative and policy reforms aimed at advancing consumer protection, investments, trade, and manufacturing in Kenya.

In a statement on Thursday, September 12, 2024, Mvurya emphasized the need for broad public participation, inviting individuals from various sectors to contribute their ideas.

The ministry is seeking input from the general public, traders, manufacturers, investors, experts, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, professional bodies, academia, and religious groups.

According to the statement, the proposals should focus on strategies to attract and incentivize private investments, both foreign and local, in all sectors of the economy.

Public Notice to Submit Proposals on Legislative and Policy Reforms for advancing consumer protection, investments, trade and manufacturing.@MITIKenya @PSAhassan @AlfredKOmbudo @DrJumaMukhwana @InvestmentKenya @IndustryKE @Trade_Kenya pic.twitter.com/z5cuzsnlmW

— H.E Salim_Mvurya (@Waziri_Mvurya) September 12, 2024

Reforms proposals

There is also a call for recommendations on how to strengthen the manufacturing sector by rationalizing incentives to boost its contribution to the national economy.

The ministry is particularly interested in suggestions that could improve consumer protection and ensure fair trade practices across markets.

Another key area of interest is improving the performance of the export sector, enhancing structured commodity trade, and finding ways to reduce the costs associated with domestic trade.

In addition to these areas, MITI has requested proposals that address the harmonization of taxes within the manufacturing sector.

The aim is to eliminate market distortions and create a stable and predictable taxation structure that will foster growth.

Proposals should also include measures to consistently assure the quality of manufactured products, ensure consumer protection, and combat the spread of counterfeit goods in the market.

Mvurya noted that, despite recent growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic direct investment (DDI) over the last two years, the business environment in Kenya still faces challenges. These challenges, particularly the high cost of doing business, continue to constrain the investment climate.

“In the last two years, the country has seen an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic direct investment (DDI). However, significant challenges remain in the investment climate, particularly around the cost of doing business,” CS Mvurya stated.

He also pointed out that the contribution of manufacturing to Kenya’s GDP has fallen from 15% to 7.6% over the last decade. This decline has been attributed to several factors, including an unpredictable taxation regime and high energy costs.

In line with Section 232(11)(d) of the Constitution of Kenya, which mandates public participation in the policymaking process, MITI is encouraging stakeholders to take an active role in shaping the future of trade and investment in the country.

Proposals

The proposals received will inform the formulation of new legislation and policies, which the ministry plans to submit to Parliament for consideration.

Mvurya concluded by urging the public to submit their proposals, either in hard copy or via email to [email protected], by Friday, September 27, 2024, at noon.