1,000 Kenyan CEOs give Ruto eight demands to revive business growth

About 1,000 Kenyan Chief Executive Officers have called on President William Ruto's administration to address eight areas they say are critical to business growth and investment.

The demands were captured in the Central Bank of Kenya's July 2026 CEO Survey, which sought views from business leaders on the economic environment and prospects for their firms over the next 12 months.

The cost of doing business emerged as the leading domestic constraint to firms' growth. CEOs called for reductions in levies, licensing fees and compliance costs, alongside lower costs for fuel, energy and other key business inputs.

They also want greater predictability in tax and regulatory policy. Business leaders called for stable, transparent and equitable policies, with fewer frequent changes that can make it harder for companies to plan investments and operations.

Another major demand concerns access to credit. CEOs called for more affordable financing, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, which they identified as important for investment, business expansion and job creation.

The business community also wants the government to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. The CEOs called for simpler compliance processes and fewer administrative requirements that add to operating costs and affect productivity.

Clearing pending government bills was another priority. The CEOs urged the government to strengthen fiscal management by settling outstanding bills on time and releasing government funds promptly.

They further called for long-term economic planning that can extend beyond political cycles. The business leaders said greater continuity in national development plans would provide companies with more certainty when making investment and expansion decisions.

Infrastructure was also highlighted as an area requiring continued attention. CEOs want investment in infrastructure to attract investors and make it easier for businesses to operate and expand across the country.

The eighth demand was sustained engagement between government and business. CEOs called for continued public-private dialogue to ensure policies respond to business needs and are effectively implemented.

The demands come as businesses assess both domestic conditions and a more uncertain global outlook. Most respondents to the CBK survey expected global economic growth to weaken over the next 12 months, citing geopolitical tensions, higher energy prices, inflation and weaker global demand.

The conflict in the Middle East was identified as the leading external downside risk to economic activity. Businesses said geopolitical developments could affect energy prices, trade, supply chains and operating costs.

Despite those risks, Kenyan firms remained broadly optimistic about their own prospects over the next 12 months. Business activity was mixed in the second quarter of 2026, but companies expected it to remain broadly stable during the third quarter.

Technology is also becoming an important part of firms' growth strategies. The survey found that most businesses had integrated technology into their operations, with technological innovation, customer-focused approaches, improved products and changes to business models identified among the factors supporting sectoral growth.