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This chapter introduces the reader to the different aspects of the legal system in Kenya, in partnership with Oseko & Ouma. It also contains a viewpoint with Christine A Oseko, Managing Partner, Oseko & Ouma.

Manufacturing plays a key role in the non-energy economy, of which it is the second-largest component. It is also a significant employer, accounting for 8% of the active workforce as of the third quarter of that year, per the most recent central bank figures. While the outlook for manufacturing remains challenging, performance figures indicate some measure of success in broadening the country’s economic base, using manufacturing as a key driver. Building momentum and sustainable growth will be dependent on the government’s continued focus on diversification. In response to the changing retail landscape, the MoTI launched a new consumer policy in March 2018 to align the market with domestic, regional and international trends and norms, thus allowing consumers and suppliers to participate with confidence. Changes in the sector had created deficiencies in consumer protection in several areas of the old legislation; for example, there was no protection for consumers making digital transactions. The new policy seeks to address the legislative, administrative and enforcement needs of the evolving market, improving the foundation on which to build sustainable retail growth and development. This chapter contains an interview with Mikaeel Mohammed, CEO, SM Jaleel.

The construction sector has the potential to satisfy the housing demands of Trinbagonians, improve the transport infrastructure and support economic growth over the long term. Local professionals have been largely responsible for the built environment of Trinidad and Tobago until recently, and the domestic sector still has strong potential to develop local capabilities outside T&T. However, proper planning is required to ensure that the sector can advance in a way that safeguards the interests of the country’s future generations. In the face of subdued demand and the resulting competition for tenants, developers are adapting to the shifting demographics and rising requirements for improved service delivery and amenities in the office and residential segments. Longer-term growth will be largely dependent on the health of the economy, as this could once again shift the dynamics of real estate in T&T. As the economy rebounds, market demand is expected to gradually catch up to supply. This chapter includes an interview with Meng Yan, Managing Director, China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Company.

The oil and gas industry has long been the driver of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy. In 2017 the petroleum sector accounted for 33.7% of GDP, according to the “Review of the Economy 2017” report by the Ministry of Finance. T&T plays an important role as a gas supplier for the Latin American and the Caribbean market, given that Peru is the only other exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the region. Falling global oil prices and a drop in production have spurred T&T to consider more stable sources of energy to boost its economy. However, despite increasing interest in renewables, the country is still focused on developing its natural gas segment. Upcoming gas projects, including the Dragon gas field deal with Venezula, and recent output figures are encouraging a positive outlook for the sector, with the rebound in gas production levels expected to continue on an upward trajectory. This chapter contains interviews with Franklin Khan, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries; Claire Fitzpatrick, Regional President, BP Trinidad and Tobago; and Mark Loquan, President, National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago.

As Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago continues to expand its 4G LTE network launched under the bmobile brand in 2016, Digicel began the rollout of its 4G LTE network in early 2018, promising eventual island-wide coverage. However, local operations for the company are facing a potential consolidation phase over 2018 and 2019, as the group’s transformation programme mandates a global 25% reduction in its workforce. This trend of consolidation is anticipated to persist in other large companies, as operators introduce measures to advance their long-term strategies in pursuit of digital transformation. With a key sector development strategy already in place, the state aims to increase IT’s contribution to 5% by 2021, and as growth indicators in a number of segments are picking up, prospects for T&T’s ICT sector are positive. This chapter contains an interview with Ronald Walcott, CEO, Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and Tobago.