Kenya: Competition (General) Rules, 2019 including anti-competitive agreements regulation entered into force

On 6 December 2019, the Competition (General) Rules, 2019 entered into force. The Rules establish procedures for seeking exemptions under Part III of the Competition Act, 2010 for agreements, decisions, or practices that might otherwise contravene competition law. The rules define criteria for block exemptions, outlining eligibility conditions and assessment procedures. The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) is authorised to review applications, issue exemption certificates, and revoke approvals if conditions change. The CAK assesses whether agreements restrict competition or serve public interest objectives, ensuring that only qualifying agreements receive exemptions from prohibition under the Act.