State making it hard for businesses to survive

 Businesses you could consider in 2025 (Photo: iStock)

It is an established fact globally that most businesses do not survive beyond their first three years. This reality is due to many factors, be it limited capital, poor cash flow, weak demand, or lack of managerial experience. Starting a business anywhere is difficult.

But in Kenya, there appears to be an additional, more troubling factor at play, one that feels less accidental and more deliberate. Many Kenyans feel the authorities are actively shortening the lifespan of businesses through excessive regulation, harassment, and a predatory approach to enforcement.