KNCCI, Nairobi County Join Forces to Improve Nairobi Business Environment
Taifa news
Macharia D kasuku
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has strengthened its partnership with Nairobi County to address challenges affecting businesses, including licensing, water services, security, regulation and the overall cost of doing business.
The issues emerged during the Nairobi Business Breakfast Forum, held under the theme “Jenga Biz, Jenga Nairobi,” which brought together business leaders, investors, MSMEs, county officials and other private-sector stakeholders.
The forum provided a platform for businesses to raise concerns directly with the county administration and seek practical solutions to challenges affecting daily operations.
Among the key issues raised was the licensing process, with businesses seeking simpler procedures, clearer communication and greater accountability in enforcement. Stakeholders also raised concerns about water supply and reliability, saying interruptions can affect business operations, particularly for enterprises that depend heavily on water.
Security was another concern discussed by the business community, with stakeholders calling for closer cooperation between businesses, county authorities and security agencies to maintain a safe environment for workers, customers and investors.
KNCCI President Dr Erick Rutto emphasised the importance of sustained government-private sector engagement, saying closer collaboration can help identify regulatory and operational challenges and facilitate practical interventions that support businesses.
At the Nairobi chapter level, Dr James Mwaura, Chairman of KNCCI Nairobi, underscored the importance of creating structured channels through which businesses can present their concerns and receive timely responses from government.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said his administration was committed to working with KNCCI and the wider business community to address the issues raised.
On licensing, Sakaja told businesses they do not need middlemen to obtain county licences. He urged them to apply directly through the county website, pay through Pay Nairobi and print their licences.
Sakaja also announced that Nairobi County will introduce a verifiable identification system for compliance and enforcement officers within one month. The system is expected to help businesses identify legitimate officers, curb impersonation and enhance accountability.
John Njogu, CEO and National Coordinator of the Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya, called for closer working arrangements between county departments and business membership organisations, saying businesses have valuable sector-specific knowledge that can help government develop practical solutions.
The forum reaffirmed KNCCI’s role as a bridge between the private sector and government, with stakeholders committing to continued dialogue on licensing, water, security, regulation and other issues affecting Nairobi’s business community.
Jenga Biz. Jenga Nairobi.
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