Stakeholders endorse proposed amendments to Business Laws

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Key stakeholders in the trade sector have expressed strong support for the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

During a session with the Committee on Trade, Industry, & Cooperatives, chaired by Hon. James Gakuya (Embakasi North), the stakeholders commended the Bill, which proposes amendments to various business-related statutes.

The Committee today heard submissions on the proposed changes to the Kenya Accreditation Service Act (Cap. 496A), the Special Economic Zones Act (Cap. 517A), and the Standards Act (Cap. 496).

The Bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), aims to enhance the role of the Kenya Accreditation Service (KAS) in regulating foreign conformity assessment bodies operating in Kenya. 

“We fully support the amendment as it will improve the business environment in conformity assessment services, ensuring a level playing field for all providers," stated Lucy Namu, the Chief Manager in charge of Laboratories at KAS

Clause 30 of the Bill proposes an amendment to Section 4 of the Special Economic Zones Act, granting the Cabinet Secretary the authority to determine the minimum acreage required for the designation of Special Economic Zones. 

Daisy Ajima, the Director for Legal Services at the Special Economic Zones Authority, confirmed their support for the provision.

However, former Kenya Accreditation Service (KAS) CEO Martin Chesire raised concerns about the proposed changes to the Standards Act. Clause 20 of the Bill seeks to introduce the registration of manufacturers by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

“This clause introduces a new administrative process that is duplicative and could hinder the ease of doing business, especially since the Kenya Revenue Authority already licenses manufacturers of excisable goods under the Excise Duty Act, 2015," argued Mr Chesire. 

Hon. Gakuya, speaking after receiving the submissions, assured the public that the Committee would continue gathering feedback over the next two days. 

“Public participation will continue tomorrow, Tuesday, November 26, 2024, and conclude on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. We invite all members of the public to share their views on the Bill,” said Hon. Gakuya.

Other Acts of parliament that will be subjected to public participation by the Hon. Gakuya-led Committee include the Scrap Metal Act (Cap. 503); the Special Economic Zones Act (Cap. 517A), The Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute Act (Cap.511A); and the National Electronic Single Window System Act (Cap. 485D.)

The excercise which starts at 10am and ends at 5pm is being held at County Hall, Mini-Chamber within Parliament Buildings.