As a Kenyan law firm, we provide full-spectrum legal services in Internal Trade Law, assisting clients in complying with the national trade regime, resolving commercial disputes, and facilitating smooth operations within Kenya’s domestic market. Our services are grounded in the Trade Licensing Act, Fair Administrative Action Act, Competition Act, Consumer Protection Act, Standards Act, Weights and Measures Act, County Government regulations, and other trade-related laws and policies.
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1. Business Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
Trade Licenses and Permits:
Assisting businesses in obtaining, renewing, or regularizing local trade licenses (Single Business Permits) issued by county governments.
Advisory on sector-specific licenses (e.g., retail, wholesale, manufacturing, warehousing, food services).
Multi-County Trade Compliance:
Advising businesses with operations in multiple counties on harmonized compliance with local trade licensing regimes.
Registration with Government Agencies:
Supporting registration with relevant authorities including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
2. Retail, Wholesale, and Distribution Law
Retail Operations Compliance:
Drafting and reviewing commercial leases, supply contracts, and franchise agreements for shops, supermarkets, and malls.
Wholesale and Distributor Agreements:
Structuring agreements for importers, distributors, agents, and retailers to ensure fair and lawful trade practices.
Pricing and Marking Regulations:
Advising clients on compliance with price controls, trade description rules, and statutory obligations regarding pricing display.
3. Standards, Certification, and Labeling
Product Certification and Mark of Quality:
Assisting manufacturers and importers in obtaining KEBS certifications and permits (e.g., standardization mark, diamond mark of quality).
Labeling and Packaging Regulations:
Advising on legal requirements for product labeling, ingredient disclosures, expiry dates, and origin marking.
Anti-Counterfeit Protection:
Assisting in enforcement of IP rights against counterfeit goods under the Anti-Counterfeit Act and relevant criminal laws.
4. Consumer Protection and Trade Practices
Unfair Trade Practices Advisory:
Advising businesses on compliance with the Consumer Protection Act to avoid unfair terms, false advertising, or deceptive conduct.
Product Liability and Recalls:
Legal advisory and representation in product liability cases, recalls, or defective goods disputes.
Customer Dispute Resolution:
Handling complaints and disputes between businesses and consumers through mediation, litigation, or regulatory processes.
5. Trade Dispute Resolution and Litigation
Breach of Trade Agreements:
Representing clients in disputes arising from breach of supply contracts, franchise arrangements, or service agreements.
Disputes with County Authorities:
Handling matters involving unlawful license revocation, harassment by trade officers, or unreasonable enforcement by local authorities.
Judicial Review and Fair Administrative Action:
Challenging arbitrary or oppressive decisions by regulatory or trade enforcement agencies.
6. County Trade Regulations and Urban Laws
County Trade Compliance:
Reviewing and advising on county trade laws, market regulations, and local bylaws affecting businesses.
Public Health and Sanitation Compliance:
Legal assistance in ensuring compliance with food safety, public health, and zoning regulations imposed by county governments.
County Trade Licensing Appeals:
Representing clients in appeals against licensing denials, closures, or penalties before county tribunals or national oversight bodies.
7. Franchising, Agency, and Commercial Representation
Franchise Structuring:
Drafting and negotiating franchise agreements for international and local brands entering or operating within Kenya.
Agency and Commission Arrangements:
Structuring compliant agency or representation agreements for traders, exporters, and service providers.
Disclosure and Competition Compliance:
Ensuring full compliance with laws on disclosure, exclusivity, and competition when appointing agents or franchisees.
8. Local Manufacturing and Product Distribution
Industrial Licensing and Compliance:
Advising manufacturers on requirements for factory establishment, pollution control, labor compliance, and industrial zoning.
Distribution and Warehousing Agreements:
Drafting agreements for product warehousing, logistics, and transportation within the Kenyan market.
Regulatory Approvals for Locally Made Goods:
Legal support in obtaining approvals from KEBS, ACA, and relevant ministries for distribution of goods locally.
9. Import Substitution and Local Content Advisory
Legal Support for Buy-Kenya Policies:
Assisting companies in aligning with local content requirements, import substitution programs, and government procurement regulations.
Local Sourcing Contracts:
Drafting supplier agreements that prioritize local vendors in compliance with national trade policy goals.
10. Internal Trade Policy, Training, and Advisory
Legal Training for Traders and Businesses:
Conducting legal training workshops on compliance with internal trade laws, consumer rights, labeling, and licensing requirements.
Trade Policy Advisory:
Assisting trade associations, SMEs, and NGOs in interpreting new trade laws and lobbying for regulatory reforms.
Monitoring Legal and Policy Developments:
Providing clients with timely updates on changes to trade licensing frameworks, county legislation, and national trade policy.