Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of 600 private-sector companies in Kenya are urging the government to lower taxes and reduce lending rates to ease operating costs, support business expansion and boost competitiveness.
A September 2026 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Survey Report released by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) revealed that business leaders want measures to make doing business cheaper while improving access to affordable financing, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The executives proposed reducing licence fees, streamlining regulatory procedures and lowering production expenses to ease the financial burden on businesses.
They also called on financial institutions to offer cheaper loans, simplify application processes and introduce flexible repayment arrangements to enable more businesses to access credit.
According to the survey, 26.7 per cent of respondents described obtaining bank loans as difficult or very difficult. They cited stringent collateral requirements and lengthy approval processes as major obstacles to securing financing.
The report further showed that 53 per cent of firms relied on internal resources to fund their operations in September 2026, while 28 per cent identified bank loans as their primary source of financing.
CEOs Raise Concerns Over Taxation
On taxation, the business leaders urged the government to establish predictable tax policies and consult private-sector players before introducing new measures.
They argued that greater policy certainty would help businesses plan investments, manage expenses and make long-term financial decisions.
The executives also called for improved coordination among government agencies to eliminate overlapping regulations and reduce the administrative burden on companies.
Among their proposals was the consolidation of national and county government permits to simplify licensing procedures. They further recommended cutting bureaucratic delays and expediting the clearance of imported goods.
The CEOs said these measures would help businesses operate more efficiently by reducing compliance costs and the time spent navigating government processes.
Businesses Seek Lower Energy and Infrastructure Costs
The respondents also urged the government to reduce energy expenses and improve the reliability of electricity supply, transport networks and digital infrastructure.
They noted that high utility costs and inadequate infrastructure increase production expenses, disrupt operations and undermine the competitiveness of Kenyan businesses.
Improving these services, they suggested, would create a more favourable environment for investment and business growth.
The survey also highlighted concerns about governance, with executives calling for stronger adherence to the rule of law and more decisive action against corruption.
The business leaders further urged the government to curb wasteful expenditure and adopt long-term development strategies that remain in place beyond election cycles.
They argued that consistent policies and stable governance would provide businesses with greater certainty when making investment decisions and planning future operations.
Geopolitical Tensions Add to Business Pressures
Geopolitical tensions also emerged as a concern for businesses, with companies calling for measures to lower operating expenses and improve access to credit to cushion them against external shocks.
The executives indicated that reducing domestic business costs and expanding access to affordable financing would help firms remain resilient amid international economic uncertainties.
The survey's findings underscore the private sector's call for a more predictable tax regime, cheaper credit, efficient regulation and reliable infrastructure to support business growth.
For Kenyan firms, addressing these concerns could help ease financial pressure, encourage investment and strengthen their ability to compete in an increasingly challenging economic environment.
