Business Climate Survey 2025 Launched by NLBH and MDF, Commissioned by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Kenya continues to serve as a strategic entry point to East Africa, attracting international investors through its strong regional position, growing infrastructure, and market potential. The Netherlands and Kenya have enjoyed robust business relations for over 50 years, with the Netherlands ranking among Kenya’s top three global export markets and the largest within the European Union. This is largely due to the floriculture sector, but Dutch enterprises are also active across diverse industries.

Today, the Netherlands Business Hub (NLBH) has more than 80 registered members Dutch companies either based in or actively operating within Kenya. Yet, with shifting global dynamics and changing local conditions, how are these businesses experiencing the current economic climate? To better understand this, NLBH and MDF, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN), launched the 2025 Business Climate Survey, inviting Dutch companies in Kenya to share their perspectives.

Asking the right questions

Between 2014 and 2020, Kenya’s appeal to investors grew significantly. However, more recent trends suggest a slight decline in business confidence. Companies report increasing caution, citing concerns over regulatory changes, inflationary pressures, political developments, and operational challenges.

So, what’s changed? Where do the current difficulties lie? And what can be done to improve the business environment? The survey aimed to uncover these insights directly from the people experiencing them.

Your Voice Matters

Through 40 structured questions (taking around 30 minutes to complete),the survey provided Dutch businesses in Kenya with the opportunity to outline:

  • The scope and impact of their operations in Kenya
  • The key challenges they face while doing business
  • Their experience with business support organisations, both Dutch and Kenyan

Participation was voluntary, but highly valuable. The findings will help inform discussions with Kenyan government partners such as KenInvest and various ministries ensuring Dutch business voices are represented in efforts to improve the overall investment climate. In addition to the survey, follow-up interviews, round table dialogues, and panel discussions will be held to further explore key themes and solutions. These efforts will help NLBH and EKN advocate more effectively for policy reforms and improvements in the business landscape.