NATIONAL BUSINESS AGENDA

The National Business Agenda (NBA) developed in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030 second Medium Term Plan and the KEPSA Business Strategy guides KEPSA’s advocacy work. The NBA has a five-year implementation period and stipulates the core cross-cutting issues, aligned to the overall goals of the National Vision 2030 that KEPSA wishes to pursue on behalf of businesses with the government.

KEPSA has since implemented two NBA’s; i.e. NBA I and NBA II, and is in the process of implementing NBA III for the period 2019-2022.

Under the watch of KEPSA, the private sector in Kenya is vibrant, competitive and innovative playing an increasingly vital role in sustainable and inclusive economic growth towards the realization of vision 2030.

As the collective voice of the private sector in Kenya, KEPSA serves as a bridge between the business community and government in creating and enhancing a conducive business environment

KEPSA’s has played critical roles in business; economic and political reforms. Some of the KEPSA’s role in business reforms i.e. Public-Private Dialogues for business reforms (policy, legislative and institutional reforms) include: Presidential Round Tables (PRTs); Ministerial Stakeholder Forums (MSFs); Speaker’s Round Table: both Senate and National Assembly; Council of Governors Round Table; Chief Justice Forum; and, Attorney General’s forum.

On the economic and political reforms, KEPSA has participated in the Economic Recovery Strategy (2003); Private Sector Development Strategy (PSDS) (2006 – 2010); Vision 2030 & Medium Term Plans; Peace building initiatives particularly in the 2008 Post Election Violence through “Mkenya Daima” Campaign; Development of Constitution 2010; and, Engagement in the constitution implementation process.

OUR HISTORY

• In the first, Formation phase (2003-2007): the focus of the alliance was on emphasizing the role of the private sector as the engine of economic growth and to drive economic transformation of the country. Together with the public sector, Kenya’s economy grew from -2.1% in 2002 to 7.0% in 2007.
• In the second phase, Transition phase (2007-2008), KEPSA concentrated on dialogue, arbitration and reconciliation of the political class after the disputed 2007 general elections leading to formation of government of national unity.
• The third phase of evolution was Transformation phase (2008-2012): The emphasis of the alliance was on:
• Strengthening and institutionalization of Public-Private Dialogue;
• Development of the first National Business Agenda (2008-2012);
• Championing the campaign for the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010;
• Driving the economic pillar of Vision 2030;
• Enhancing partnerships with Development Partners in the area of trade & investment, social-economic development, private sector development and governance programmes;
• Championing campaign for peaceful 2013 elections.
• The fourth phase is Growth and Sustainability phase (2012 & beyond)

KEPSA’S STRATEGIC FOCUS IS MAINLY IN THREE AREAS:

• Conducting high-level advocacy on cross-cutting law and policy-related issues, and ensuring Kenya is globally competitive in doing business
• Coordinating the private sector in Kenya through various mechanisms and to engage in advocacy that promotes economic growth;
• Developing and capacity building of Associations to strengthen, grow and represent their sectors adequately.

KEPSA’S MANDATE AS THE VOICE OF PRIVATE SECTOR IN KENYA IS FULFILLED BY:

• Providing a platform for its members to engage in high-level public policy dialogue;
• Representing the private sector in policy and law formulation together with the government;
• Providing leadership and a single voice of the private sector on issues of national importance;
• Collating and harmonizing private sector priorities and input to the development of the National Budget;
• Acting as the entry and National Focal Point on Regional integration through the East Africa business Council

BESIDES THE MANDATE, THE ALLIANCE FOCUSES ON SIX STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:

• To strengthen the role of private sector as the pillar and engine of economic growth, employment and wealth creation;
• To ensure the formulation and implementation of pro-growth policies that promote Kenya’s competitiveness, encourage domestic and foreign investment, pursue regional, continental and international economic opportunities;
• To promote values of good business ethics and practices, innovation, hard work, goodwill and collective responsibility;
• To promote action-based best practices, CSR, conservation, protection and prudent use of Kenya’s natural resources; ensuring dignified living conditions, quality life, socio-cultural wealth, human development, growth and sustainable development for posterity;
• To promote, coordinate, monitor and evaluate private sector activities in pursuit of an enabling business environment;
• To facilitate harmonized private sector approaches on cross-sectorial issues.