National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo addresses attendees during the opening session of the Research Conference on Competition and Consumer Welfare in Nairobi on 4th June, 2026.
NAIROBI, June 4,2026 — The government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting competitive and inclusive markets as a key driver of economic growth, with the National Treasury pledging continued support for the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK).
Speaking during the opening of the Research Conference on Competition and Consumer Welfare in Nairobi, National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo said competitive markets play a critical role in attracting investment, creating jobs, lowering the cost of living and enhancing consumer welfare.
“Competition is not just a regulatory concept; it is an economic policy instrument that directly shapes investment decisions, employment outcomes, the cost of living and the sustainability of our public finances,” said Dr. Kiptoo.
The Principal Secretary noted that Kenya’s economic transformation agenda and the Fourth Medium Term Plan depend on fair and efficient markets that provide opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
“When anti-competitive conduct distorts markets, it raises costs, reduces incomes and ultimately slows economic growth. Effective competition enforcement is therefore essential to achieving food security, poverty reduction and inclusive development,” he said.
Kiptoo observed that anti-competitive practices in key sectors such as agriculture and trade continue to undermine productivity and limit economic opportunities for millions of Kenyans.
He noted that many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) struggle due to unfair market practices, delayed payments and barriers to entry despite their significant contribution to the country’s economy and employment.
The PS cited findings from the recent Bridging Barriers study by the World Bank Group and CAK, which indicated that reducing market restrictions could increase Kenya’s real GDP by 4.9 percent and formal employment by 2.6 percent by 2035.He also called for stronger efforts to eliminate bid rigging in public procurement, noting that public procurement accounts for a significant share of government expenditure.
“Every shilling lost to bid rigging is a shilling stolen from a school, a road or a hospital. Taxpayers deserve value for money and stronger enforcement against such practices,” he said.
Kiptoo further said the government has invested more than Sh8 billion in the Competition Authority since 2011 and will continue supporting the institution as it expands its oversight into emerging areas such as digital markets.
He added that the National Treasury is supporting the development of a National Competition and Consumer Welfare Policy and ongoing reforms under the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Earlier, Competition Authority of Kenya Director-General David Kemei said competition policy remains central to economic governance, industrial transformation and consumer welfare, particularly as markets become increasingly digital and interconnected.
“When markets work well, consumers benefit from lower prices, better quality, greater choice, innovation and access. Small businesses get an opportunity to participate in the economy, investments soar because investors gain confidence, and productivity increases because new technology enhances efficiency,” said Kemei.
He noted that the Authority’s interventions in sectors such as mobile money, retail trade and agriculture have enhanced market access, protected small businesses and improved consumer outcomes.
Kemei cited reforms in the mobile money ecosystem and measures to curb abuse of buyer power as examples of how competition enforcement has supported economic inclusion and safeguarded livelihoods.
“This is not just a telecommunications story. It is an economic development and inclusivity story. It is a story about enabling a small-scale fisherfolk in Kisumu, a boda boda operator in Kathonzweni and a small trader in Wajir to participate in the economy and contribute to national development,” he said.
Kemei said the Authority had facilitated the recovery of more than Sh3.5 billion for suppliers affected by unfair trade practices since 2019 while helping improve contractual relationships between large retailers and small businesses.
He further observed that emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence, algorithmic pricing, digital platforms and cross-border commerce require modern regulatory approaches and stronger cooperation among regulators.
The Director-General called for increased market surveillance, stronger consumer protection in digital markets, support for MSMEs, enhanced regional collaboration and investment in technical skills to prepare competition authorities for future market realities.
The two-day conference has brought together policymakers, researchers, academics and competition experts from Kenya and across Africa to discuss strategies for promoting competition and consumer welfare in globalized and rapidly evolving markets.
