Mombasa, 17th May 2025
In order to shape and promote economic activities within Nairobi County, Markets and Trade Subsector is currently working on a Trade, Industry and Investment policy that is set to foster growth, create jobs and enhance competitiveness in various sectors of the economy in the City of Nairobi.
A team working on drafting the policy met in Mombasa for a working retreat to develop a zero draft on Trade, Industry and Investment policy that seeks to address a number of issues such as; inadequate infrastructure for trade, industry and investment, limited access to finance for local enterprises, weak investment promotion and branding, inefficient trade logistics and market access, technology issues, high cost of doing business, low level preparedness to external risks and shocks, regulatory barriers and environmental issues amongst many others.
“By creating a favorable environment for businesses to thrive, such a Policy will contribute significantly to the prosperity of the County and its residents, as it is expected to help attract investment and business opportunities, leading to the creation of employment opportunities.” Stated Dr. Anastasia Nyalita, the County Executive Member for Business and Hustler Opportunities.
Commenting on the policy also, the County Chief Officer for Markets and Trade Ms. Jane Wangúi said that by addressing the various challenges and barriers to trade, industry and investment, the County is taking proactive steps towards creating a conducive environment for businesses to flourish.
The Ag. Director of Trade and Industry Department Ms. Lydia Ndung’u who spearheaded the policy drafting exercise, lauded the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in the process, noting that their contribution will enable the Subsector to deliver a comprehensive Trade, Industry and Investment policy.
Moreover, the Subsector is also working on Markets and Trading Services Policy that will see the County create an enabling working environment to benefit both traders and consumers, ensuring a fair and efficient marketplace for all.
The two policies ( Trade, Industry and Investment Policy and Markets and Trading Services Policy) aims to build and grow economic activities in Nairobi bringing about a positive impact on the local economy as they address both domestic and international business environment, while supporting micro, small and medium enterprises.
The workshop participants consisted of; -Markets and Trade Subsector Heads and other technical Officers, County departments of Policy, Donor Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement and Legal Officers, representatives from Kenya Invest, State Departments of Trade Industry and Investments and Kenya Law Reforms Commission among others.
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