CEOs ask government to cut business costs and make loans cheaper, CBK survey shows

Chief executives of about 600 private companies want the government to lower the cost of doing business and make credit cheaper, according to the Central Bank of Kenya's September 2026 survey of company CEOs.

The survey, carried out between 7 and 18 September, found that 26.7% of firms rated getting a bank loan as difficult or very difficult in the July to September quarter, citing collateral demands and slow approvals. According to Kenyans.co.ke, 53% of firms paid for their operations from their own money in September, while 28% relied mainly on bank loans.

The CEOs asked for lower levies, licence fees and compliance costs, cheaper loans with flexible repayment terms, and predictable tax policies with consultation before new measures are introduced. They also want national and county permits combined, faster import clearance, lower energy costs and stronger action against corruption and wasteful spending.

Firms reported better demand, orders and sales in the quarter and said they were more optimistic about growth over the next 12 months than in July. They expect business to improve further in the last three months of the year.

The reports used for this story did not include a response from the government or the Treasury.