Friday, September 25, 2026English edition
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Country risk, from the local press

Kenya · Country watch

NEMA Import Directive, El Niño Flood Preparations

Kenya's NEMA mandates new import permit rules; government prepares Nairobi for potential El Niño flooding.

· · 7 sources

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in Kenya are deteriorating due to new import permit regulations by NEMA and potential flooding in Nairobi from El Niño, affecting logistics and public sectors.

In this briefing National Environment Management Authority · Kithure Kindiki · Kenya Urban Roads Authority · Nairobi · Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Regulation

  • logistics
  • retail

NEMA mandates new permit rules for importers

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued new directives for importers on permit applications, effective from Monday next week, according to Kenyans. The directive mandates changes in the application process for environmental permits, impacting importers who must comply with the new rules. This move is part of NEMA's ongoing efforts to streamline environmental compliance and ensure sustainable practices in import activities.

Impact Importers must adjust to new permit rules from Monday, affecting compliance processes.

Sources: Kenyans ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

  • public-sector
  • construction

Kenya prepares Nairobi for potential El Niño floods

Nairobi skyline, with slight smog layer, seen from the rooftop restaurant at the Gem Hotel in Gigiri
Nairobi skyline, with slight smog layer, seen from the rooftop restaurant at the Gem Hotel in Gigiri Daniel Case, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Kenyan government is preparing for potential El Niño-induced flooding in Nairobi, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announcing evacuation plans for residents in flood-prone areas, according to Taifa Leo. Temporary shelters have been set up, and drainage systems are being cleared in collaboration with the Kenya Urban Roads Authority. Approximately 100,000 residents in areas like Mukuru and Mathare may be affected by the anticipated heavy rains expected in mid to late October.

Impact Public-sector and construction sectors engage in flood preparation, affecting 100,000 residents in Nairobi.

Watch Heavy rains expected to start in mid to late October.

Sources: Taifa Leo ↗

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

  • retail
  • pharma

Concerns over Tobacco Bill's impact on trade

Stakeholders in Kenya's retail, harm reduction, and entertainment sectors have expressed concerns about the proposed Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2026, according to KBC. They warn that the bill, in its current form, could inadvertently fuel illicit trade, increase business costs, and negatively affect livelihoods. Stakeholders are calling for a review of certain provisions to prevent these potential negative impacts on the economy.

Impact Retail and pharma sectors face potential cost increases and trade challenges due to the Tobacco Bill.

Sources: KBC ↗

Also today in Kenya

Sources in this briefing

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