Six hundred chief executive officers of private‑sector companies in Kenya have called for tax cuts and lower interest rates on loans to reduce operating costs and stay competitive.

The call follows a September 2026 CEOs survey commissioned by the Central Bank of Kenya, which highlighted business leaders’ desire for cheaper credit and a more predictable tax environment.

Respondents urged reductions in licence fees, simplification of regulatory requirements and lower production costs to ease financial pressure on firms.

They also asked for cheaper loans, simpler application procedures and flexible repayment terms to improve financing access, particularly for small and medium‑sized enterprises.

The survey found that 26.7 % of CEOs described access to bank loans as difficult or very difficult, citing strict collateral demands and lengthy approval processes as key barriers.

It also showed that 53 % of firms relied on internal resources to fund operations in September 2026, while 28 % identified bank loans as their main source of financing.

On taxation, CEOs called for predictable tax policies and prior consultation with the private sector before any new measures are introduced.

They recommended better coordination among government agencies to avoid overlapping regulations and reduce the administrative burden on businesses.

Simplifying the licensing process by merging national and county permits, cutting bureaucracy and speeding up import clearance were also highlighted as priorities.

Respondents called for lower energy costs and improved reliability of electricity, transport networks and digital infrastructure, noting that these factors directly affect production expenses.

The CEOs also urged the government to curb wasteful spending, pursue long‑term development plans beyond election cycles and strengthen rule‑of‑law enforcement to create a stable operating environment.

Geopolitical tensions were identified as an additional factor raising operating costs, prompting firms to seek measures that improve financing access and reduce expenses to withstand external pressures.