Local manufacturers say doing business in Kenya is now a lot easier than in other East African countries, following reforms in the business licensing regime.

This emerged in a recent report released by local manufacturers that compares Kenya’s business environment with the world market. It places Kenya in the top 72 countries where doing business is easier, up from position 83 in 2007.

According to the manufacturers, Kenya has improved its business environment and could compete with the newly industrialised states such as Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia in attracting new businesses.

“This has resulted in Kenya emerging among the top 10 performers globally, which is quite a commendable achievement” says the report.

The report, First Things Faster, Kenya Competitiveness Benchmark report 2008 says the ease of accessing credit from Kenya’s financial institutions also contributed to the country’s improved ranking.