World Bank commends Nairobi council over investment climate

The World Bank has praised City Council efforts to improve the investment climate in Nairobi.

Fred Zake who is coordinator of Investment Climate Advisory Services at the World Bank said the council’s work has led to numerous milestones in improving the business regulatory environment in Nairobi.

"We take this opportunity to thank you personally and the City Council of Nairobi (CCN), for working tirelessly and giving support to the investment climate reform work in Nairobi," the WB said in a letter to Town Clerk Philip Kisia.

The letter, dated October 25 and copied to licensing committee chairman Jaffer Kassam and deputy Town Clerk Dan Masetu, said the WB "has been working with the licensing and legal departments to draft by laws that set the pace and provide the legal framework for the significant steps taken and to be taken by the council."

"The draft by-law is now complete and is currently awaiting the formal adoption process. We are aware that the enactment of the by-law is one of the first steps towards a better inspections system," the WB said.

The WB said the council needs to create an up to date data base of all businesses in Nairobi, their business category and type for purposes of the Single Business Permit as well as other occupational safety permits, the location and principal officers among others.

Mr Kassam who is an ODM nominated councillor said the new inspection procedures had led to increased revenue for the council and eased business operations.

He said the renewal application fee for Single Business Permit, duplicate application forms and mandatory PIN requirement have been abolished.

"Open plan one stop shop for single business permit has been introduced and the permit now issued within a day," Mr Kassam said.

He said the council is set to start automated application process for permits and online submission and payment. Applicants can also monitor review process and download permit. Businesses could further update registration online.

Mr Kassam said all businesses are required to possess the Single Business Permit. There are more than 250,000 businesses in Nairobi.

Mr Kassam said the harassment of traders by council police through frequent inspection of licenses and corruption could soon end following new by law established by the council.

Mr Kassam said the council would only be conducting targeted inspections after giving a 21-day notice.

"We are gradually facing out inspections aimed only at the verification of license fees payments. We will use an information management system to complement targeted inspections. Inspections would be at a minimum to reduce disruptions to businesses as much as possible," Mr Kassam told the Nation.