State to ease import rules for manufacturers in bid to cut production costs
The move aims to make it easier for manufacturers to import raw materials, machinery, and spare parts without facing delays and added expenses at the ports.
The government is planning to reform the import verification process in a bid to reduce production costs and speed up access to essential inputs for manufacturers.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, said the government is working on strengthening the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) exemption system.
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The move aims to make it easier for manufacturers to import raw materials, machinery, and spare parts without facing delays and added expenses at the ports.
This initiative is expected to support local industries by eliminating inefficiencies that have slowed down the import process and increased operational costs.
The PVoC system is meant to ensure that all imports meet Kenya’s required standards before being shipped into the country.
“By easing regulatory bottlenecks and prioritising quality as a national goal, we aim to create a supportive environment for local businesses, drive innovation, and promote inclusive economic growth,” Kinyanjui stated.
The new proposals come after repeated concerns from manufacturers who say the current exemption process is not consistent, leading to delays in accessing critical materials needed for production.
Kinyanjui urged manufacturers to embrace KEBS’ quality improvement systems, particularly the Diamond Mark of Quality, as a way to enhance competitiveness and secure wider market access.
“Through the quality management frameworks of the Kenya Bureau of Standards, we empower Kenyan industries to compete on a global scale. This, in turn, attracts foreign investment and positions Kenya as a hub for quality-driven development in Africa,” he said.
He added that Kenyan producers must align their production standards with regional and continental trade goals, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers new opportunities for growth.
KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari said since the Diamond Mark was introduced in 1996, 1,263 products have received the certification.
However, she pointed out that manufacturers must continue improving their standards and certification processes to match international expectations.
She said the KEBS certification system must align with global best practices such as ISO/IEC 17065:2012, and be backed by strong monitoring and performance checks to protect the reputation of the Diamond Mark.
Principal Secretary in the State Department of Industry, Juma Mukhwana, said harmonising regional standards has made it easier for Kenyan goods to enter regional markets. He added that products bearing the Diamond Mark have a better chance of standing out in competitive environments.
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