CS Kuria Announces Mandatory Fees for All Kenyan Businesses in 30 Days

Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria speaking during the third Kenya International Investment Conference on Monday, May 22, 2023
Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria speaking during the third Kenya International Investment Conference on Monday, May 22, 2023
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Moses Kuria

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Monday, May 22, confirmed that the government was working on a Kenyan Chamber Law making it compulsory for every business to register at a fee.

Speaking during the launch of the third Kenya International Investment Conference, Kuria stated that the move was to ensure that Kenyan businesses and companies made inroads in other countries as well as received international recognition.

In his statement, the CS noted that it will be compulsory for business owners to register with the Kenya Chamber of Commerce, adding that the law would be presented before the Cabinet within 30 days.

“In African companies, everyone is their own king in their own corner. We need to grow out there and expand so that we are recognised internationally. Even for some of the big companies we have here in the country, you find that they are established in maybe one or two other countries. 

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria speaking at Lee Funeral on Friday May 5, 2023
Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria speaking at Lee Funeral on Friday, May 5, 2023.
DPPS

"That is why I have challenged my Principal Secretary and we are already working on a law that will be presented to the Cabinet within the next 30 days known as the Kenya National Chamber Law," Kuria stated. 

Additionally, he stated that the Chamber of Commerce would bring together businessmen aimed at putting Kenya on the world map in terms of investment.

Kuria added that the Chamber would meet international standards likening it to the United States Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

To prove his case, he noted that he had visited the Chinese Chamber and was impressed by the forward-thinking and development that had been initiated by the business owners.

"We are going to have the Kenya Chamber that is truly reflective of the Kenyan business. A Chamber that can be of equal footing with the US Chamber and the Chinese Chamber," he added. 

He reiterated that it would be compulsory for every business owner to register with the Chamber of Commerce adding that he was aware that other businessmen would oppose the move. 

"It is going to be mandatory for every registered business in Kenya to be a member of the Chamber. Let me make it clear that it is not going to be a choice.

"Some people are going to start crying that it will increase the cost of doing business. If you think that paying a subscription fee to be a member of the Chamber is a problem try to be an employee. It is for the benefit of the people," Kuria stated. 

Over 55 Trade Ministers, joined by CEOs of the top 100 companies in Africa, are scheduled to attend the conference expected to run till May 31 at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. 

Moses Kuria
Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria during trade negotiation on the US on Monday, April 25, 2023.
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Ministry of Trade