Murang’a: The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has voiced concerns over the mounting pending bills, warning that the situation is adversely affecting businesses nationwide and, by extension, the national economy. The organization’s President, Dr. Erick Rutto, alongside KNCCI officials and business community members, urged the government to address the issue to prevent businesses from becoming insolvent.
According to Kenya News Agency, Rutto highlighted during the KNCCI CEO’s Business Breakfast in Murang’a that pending bills from both national and county governments have exceeded Sh700 billion. He noted that the Chamber is in discussions with the National Treasury to release some of these funds to help rejuvenate businesses, particularly those operating at the county level. Rutto mentioned an assurance from the Treasury that Sh.150 billion would be released by the end of the month to alleviate the financial strain on businesses caused by delayed payments.
Rutto also emphasized KNCCI’s dedication to creating a more conducive business environment by implementing measures to reduce operational costs. He advocated for the harmonization of county permits into a unified business license model, citing the example of a meat processing plant that currently requires multiple licenses from both national and county governments. Rutto described this as an unsustainable burden on businesses.
Furthermore, Rutto discussed KNCCI’s initiatives to improve access to affordable credit through guarantee agreements that facilitate easier financing for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He called on county governments to maintain transparency by awarding contracts only to legitimate business operators. KNCCI is already issuing certificates to differentiate its members from counterfeit operators, he added.
Rutto encouraged local entrepreneurs who are not yet members of the Chamber to join, highlighting the benefits of representation, networking, and protection from exploitation. Dr. Naomi Kagone, the Murang’a Chapter Chairperson, stressed the importance of business training, especially for individuals inheriting family enterprises. She stated that proper training is crucial for ensuring the sustainability and productivity of such ventures.
Kagone also addressed the issue of traders who experienced significant losses during recent nationwide protests, acknowledging that they had not been fully compensated. She urged affected business people to file claims with the Chamber for compensation and called on the government to develop policies that would support startups and existing businesses.
Ibrahim Ndegwa, Nyeri KNCCI Chapter Chairman, shared the Chamber’s broader vision of enhancing business vibrancy in the region through research, information sharing, and collective advocacy. He emphasized the potential for strengthening business by uniting traders and fostering collaborations.
Alice Karingu, Deputy Director of Education and Public Awareness at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), highlighted the detrimental impact of counterfeit products on the market. She warned that counterfeiting reduces market share for genuine traders and undermines brand trust, leading to decreased competitiveness. Karingu revealed that the ACA has seized counterfeit goods from several companies and urged businesses to remain accountable to protect their brands and consumers.
The business breakfast, themed ‘Creating Business Legacy and Sustainability’, gathered stakeholders from across the country to discuss building resilience, improving the business climate, and protecting entrepreneurs from systemic challenges.
