Machakos: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and stakeholders in Machakos have given their full support for the Draft National Trade Development Bill 2025. The bill seeks to modernise and develop standards for fair trade in the wholesale and retail sectors, as discussed during a public participation forum.
According to Kenya News Agency, the forum was held by the Department of Trade at Machakos Social Hall, where residents acknowledged the draft Bill on fair trade practices, which they said will enhance equity, transparency, and sustainability in their business. The public participation forum aimed to gather views from Machakos residents as part of a nationwide consultation on the establishment of a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the development, facilitation, and regulation of trade in Kenya.
The Trade Principal Secretary, Regina Ombam, whose speech was delivered by Assistant Director of Trade Isaac Wagocho, stated that the Bill seeks to harmonise and modernise trade governance in line with the constitution and the current economic realities. Furthermore, she mentioned that the Bill aims to strengthen coordination of trade-related matters between the national and county governments, as well as enhance collaboration with private sectors and non-state actors, thus positioning Kenya as a competitive trading nation globally.
The overall objective of the Bill is to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the development, facilitation, promotion, and regulation of both domestic and international trade. On matters of inclusivity, the draft Bill emphasises the importance of inclusivity and capacity development, where it provides targeted support to MSMEs, Persons with Disabilities, women, and youth, which in turn fosters economic empowerment and reduces inequality within the business community.
However, Ombam highlighted that trade, being a key driver in the economy, faces several hurdles, such as duplication of licences and fees and barriers when traders try to move goods across counties. The Bill aims to provide harmonisation of business licensing and permits to eliminate duplication and unnecessary barriers.
Kelvin Munywoki, a 53-year-old trader from Kangundo, commended the draft Bill on harmonising licences, where he has faced challenges transporting his goods in different counties due to additional charges driven by overlapping regulations. Benson Mulwa, a trader from Mutituni market, expressed concerns about his business facing collapse due to multiple highway fees required while traversing several counties, which increases the cost of doing business.
Consequently, the Bill addresses the need for improved access to trade finance, where the Ministry will promote access to affordable credit for MSMEs, encouraging innovative finance mechanisms and adopting policies to attract investment in business. The Draft Bill reflects the government’s commitment to formalising the informal sector and boosting local production while reducing the cost of doing business and promoting inclusive growth for small businesses.
