Doing Business in the United Kingdom VS Kenya – A Comparison
Entrepreneurs choosing between the United Kingdom and Kenya face two very different but promising business environments. Both countries offer real advantages depending on the goals, industry, and scale of operations. The challenge lies in deciding which one suits your business best.
3E Accounting highlights that the United Kingdom offers political stability, ease of incorporation, and global market access. Kenya, meanwhile, presents opportunities in a fast-growing economy with a youthful population, expanding digital infrastructure, and government-led development incentives.
Kenya: The government has digitised many steps, but delays can still occur during manual verification or licensing for certain sectors.
Cost of Living and Business Operations
The United Kingdom: Costs vary across regions, with affordable options for SMEs outside major hubs like London.
Kenya: Offers lower living and business operation costs, especially in cities like Mombasa and Kisumu, compared to Nairobi.
Access to Markets
The United Kingdom: Strong international trade ties and logistics infrastructure give businesses access to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Kenya: Acts as a trade hub in East Africa with access to the EAC and COMESA markets, though global access is still developing.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences for easy reference.
Factor
The United Kingdom
Kenya
Business Environment
Stable, transparent, globally connected
Developing, improving regulatory systems
Corporate Tax Rate
25%
30% (resident), 37.5% (foreign branches)
Capital Gains Tax
Standard CGT with reliefs for small businesses
15% CGT on property and shares
Ease of Incorporation
Fully digital and fast
Online system in place, occasional delays
Business Costs
Moderate outside London
Lower costs across most cities
Market Access
Global reach through trade agreements
Strong regional access (EAC, COMESA)
Benefits of Choosing 3E Accounting
When it comes to starting a business in the United Kingdom, navigating the legal and administrative processes can be complex without the right support. That’s where 3E Accounting comes in. As a trusted partner for company incorporation, we provide tailored solutions for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish a strong business presence. Whether you need help with company registration or expert guidance on setting up businesses in the UK, our experienced team ensures a smooth and efficient process.
The UK offers a faster, fully digital registration process. Kenya has digitised many steps, but some approvals still take time. For a full overview, refer to this UK company registration guide.
Yes. The UK government provides business finance support including grants, tax incentives, and startup loans.
Abigail Yu
Author
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.