Regulatory Affairs Officer at Centum
Centum
Job description
Regulatory Affairs Officer role at Centum, ensuring SEZ enterprises comply with regulations and supporting licensing processes. Requires an LLB, Postgraduate Diploma in Law (KSL), and Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, with 1+ year’s experience working within or closely with Special Economic Zones or SEZA. Full-time, on-site role.
The Regulatory Affairs Officer will be responsible for ensuring all enterprises within TRIFIC Special Economic Zone (SEZ) maintain full compliance with SEZA regulations and related statutory requirements. The officer will also play a central role in onboarding, guiding and supporting SEZ enterprises through the licensing and regulatory processes to enhance ease of doing business.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance & Monitoring
- Monitor and ensure ongoing compliance of SEZ enterprises with the Special Economic Zones Act, SEZA regulations and relevant national and EAC frameworks.
- Conduct regular compliance audits and provide advisory to tenants on legal and policy changes affecting SEZ operations.
- Track key changes in tax, customs and trade policy and interpret their impact on TRIFIC licensees.
Licensing & Enterprise Support
- Guide prospective and existing enterprises through the licensing and registration process with SEZA and relevant government bodies.
- Coordinate documentation and due diligence processes for investor onboarding.
- Prepare compliance and progress reports on licensees for internal TRIFIC leadership and SEZA engagement.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaise with SEZA, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Immigration and other relevant regulators to resolve issues affecting TRIFIC licensees.
- Represent RIFIC in SEZ-related policy workshops and consultative forums to advocate for regulatory improvements.
Contract and Legal Documentation Support
- Assist in drafting and reviewing lease agreements, service-level agreements and operational MoUs in compliance with SEZA law.
- Coordinate with legal counsel to ensure all enterprise documentation is sound and enforceable.
Policy and Advocacy
- Contribute to the development of internal compliance protocols and investor handbooks.
- Participate in the review of SEZ legislation and provide feedback to regulators and policymakers based on investor needs.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognized university; Postgraduate Diploma in Law (KSL) required.
- Advocate of the High Court of Kenya (in good standing with the LSK).
- Minimum 1 year of experience working within or closely with Special Economic Zones, SEZA or a related regulatory or investment facilitation agency.
- Demonstrated experience in drafting legal documents, interpreting SEZ laws, and engaging investors or licensees.
- Knowledge of EAC trade and customs regulations is an added advantage.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong understanding of SEZ law, tax incentives and regulatory frameworks.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.
- Proficiency in stakeholder coordination and regulatory navigation.
- Detail-oriented, proactive and solution-focused.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced, investor-driven environment.