Koskei orders tougher reforms to cut red tape, speed up services

‎Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a regulatory environment that promotes ease of doing business, attracts investment and improves service delivery for Kenyans.

‎Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Third Annual Regulatory Authorities and Agencies Conference at South Eastern Kenya University in Kitui county, Koskei said reforms undertaken under the revitalisation and reenergisation of Regulatory Authorities and Agencies (RAAs) programme had significantly improved efficiency across government institutions.

‎The three-day conference brought together regulators, policymakers and public sector leaders to deliberate on ways of enhancing service delivery and streamlining government processes for citizens and the business community.

‎Koskei said over the last three years, the government has reduced compliance burdens on businesses by eliminating duplicative approvals and strengthening coordination among regulatory agencies.

‎“The government remains committed to a regulatory environment that enables ease of doing business, spurs investment and delivers quality services to all Kenyans,” he said.

The Head of Public Service said the reforms have led to faster turnaround times, greater process clarity and more predictable regulatory systems, factors he said are critical in building investor confidence and supporting enterprise growth.

‎He observed that improved inter-agency collaboration had helped address long-standing bottlenecks that previously slowed approvals and increased the cost of doing business.

‎“Stakeholders are now experiencing improved efficiency, process clarity and regulatory predictability, with faster turnaround times and consistent enforcement,” Koskei said.

‎At the same time, he cautioned that the gains achieved so far must not be taken for granted, urging regulatory authorities to institutionalise performance standards that directly translate into better outcomes for citizens and businesses.

‎“All gains realised must be consolidated,” he directed.

‎Koskei further challenged regulators to ensure their decisions and enforcement actions are responsive, transparent and supportive of economic growth while still protecting the public interest.

‎“Regulatory action must be timely, evidence-based and facilitative to enterprise growth while safeguarding public interest,” he said.

‎He emphasised that efficient regulation is central to Kenya’s economic transformation agenda, especially as the country seeks to position itself as a competitive investment destination within the region.

‎The conference also reviewed progress made by regulatory agencies in digitisation, coordination and simplification of government procedures aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays.

‎Participants underscored the need for public institutions to adopt more citizen-centered approaches and leverage technology to improve service delivery.

‎Koskei said stronger accountability, professionalism and collaboration among regulators would be key in sustaining reforms and ensuring government institutions remain responsive to the needs of wananchi and the private sector alike.