- Newly appointed directors on the board of KEPSA take charge and embrace new strategies.
- Change of leadership also seen at KEPSA’s Governing Council where new sector chiefs will steer industry boards.
- KEPSA, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary later this year, has made a significant contribution to Kenya’s economic growth.
Jaswinder Bedi of Bedi Investment is now the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), ushering in a new era at the head of guiding the role of private investments in the nation’s economy.
American Chamber of Commerce
On the occasion of the organization’s 19th Annual General Meeting, Brenda Mbathi of the American Chamber of Commerce, Kenya, was also elected as Vice-Chairperson. Bedi, who has served as the Vice-Chairperson of the Board since 2021 will be succeeding Flora Mutahi after her two-year tenure at the helm of KEPSA Board.
The KEPSA Board also received fresh blood from newly appointed directors. The changes also include new governance at the institution’s Governing Council, where a number of industry leaders were given the authority to lead the sector boards.
Later this year, KEPSA, which will mark its 20th anniversary, will have contributed significantly to the economy and the business environment. KEPSA has been forging ties with the government, including all of its arms, its members, and other stakeholders.
At the AGM, KEPSA reaffirmed its steadfast dedication to the development, assistance, and representation of its members. KEPSA emphasized its ongoing promotion of a culture of collaboration and shared achievement as well as its commitment to seeing to it that its members succeed in their particular fields.
KESPA rolling out new business strategy
According to CEO Carole Kariuki, KEPSA will implement its new business strategy over the following five years. By 2027, the new plan wants to see Kenya become a globally competitive and successful nation.
“The new business strategy challenges us into building partnerships and shared vision with the government and all other stakeholders to realise an enabling business environment that delivers Kenya’s global competitiveness,” she said.
Ms. Kariuki mentioned that the number of micro and small businesses among the organization’s members has increased. The initiatives and projects of KEPSA continue to be beneficial to SMEs, and they will receive additional scaling-up support. This will be through integrating them into high-priority value chains used by bigger private sector businesses.
Read also: KEPSA: Business executives expect stable economy after general election
Ajira Digital Program, SME Accelerator Program, MSME Financing Gateway, Jiinue Growth Program, COAST Project under the Sustainable Inclusive Business – Kenya, and numerous inbound and outbound trade and investment missions are just a few of the KEPSA Projects that were highlighted at the AGM as having benefited SMEs and youth.
African Continental Free Trade Area
The new KEPSA Chairperson pledged in his inauguration speech to create a highly competitive business environment that takes advantage of the region’s youthful and vivacious people. He will also seize the chance to use the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement to unleash the continent’s business potential.
Following the AGM, the Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry, Moses Kuria, presided over a business discussion. Newly elected President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Eric Rutto, and the KEPSA leadership participated.
Read also: Kenya’s economy slowed down in 2022 but created more jobs
Mr Kuria urged the business sector to prioritise the needs of the nation and assist the executive in promoting growth. He urged Kenya’s private sector to think broadly, pointing out that it plays a crucial role in driving development.
