On 21^st February 2025, KEPSA CEO Ms Carole Kariuki delivered a keynote speech at the Commercial and Sales Directors Networking Cocktail organized by the Commercial Club of Africa (CCA), a platform dedicated to connecting sales professionals and industry leaders in Africa. The event brought together top commercial and sales leaders from across industries, under the theme; ‘Scaling Success: The Framework for a Strong Kenyan Commercial Community’.

CCA is a premier platform dedicated to empowering bold African commercial superstars. It serves as a collaborative space for sales professionals and industry leaders to connect, share ideas, and advance both their careers and industries. Rooted in a bold vision to cultivate Africa’s next generation of commercial superstars, CCA is dedicated to creating an environment where sales leaders and industry pioneers can thrive.

In her remarks, Ms Kariuki acknowledged the important role sales play in economic development in connecting products and services to markets. She lauded the minds behind CCA, terming it as a great platform that will streamline the existing changes in the sales industry which include lack of recognition, formal pathways to career progression and accreditation, and the regulatory framework. She emphasized that sales is not just an afterthought but a fundamental pillar of business. The KEPSA CEO explained that no matter what product or service is created if it cannot be successfully brought to market at the right time, in the right way and to the right people, something is missing. Without effective sales, she noted, economic activity and growth simply cannot happen.

The Founder and CEO of CCA Mr Kelvin Kuria explained how his personal struggle to pursue a course in sales inspired his vision of establishing a more organized framework for the profession, similar to other established fields. He noted that this is what led him to come up with the initiative, which focuses on four main pillars including; Community, developing a structured network for sales professionals; Sales HR and Talent development, which will play as a hiring pipeline for companies; Kenya School for Sales that will be a dedicated training academy and Innovation and recognition through awards that would elevate the profession.

“Every person is a salesperson in this country, including the President who is the salesman number one for Kenya. The President of Kenya is very passionate when he’s pitching brand Kenya to investors and that is what it means to be a salesperson. Tonight is just the beginning; we are setting the foundation for a sales community that will outlive all of us. But this only works if each one of you in this group steps up and takes part.” Said Mr. James Muraguri, Founding Board Chair of CCA.

Dr Mercy Waithera, one of the Advisory Board Members of CCA, emphasized the need for structured governance and leadership in the sales function to elevate it from an entry-level job to a respected profession. She highlighted that without clear career paths, training and governance, businesses struggle to retain high-quality sales talent. The CCA initiative, she said, is presented as a solution, focusing on community, mentorship and leadership development while advocating for sales academies, certification and leadership programs to create a generation of world-class sales professionals. She also added that structured career paths and training lead to better performance, higher retention and long-term growth.

The event marked a significant step toward transforming the sales profession in Kenya and beyond. With an insightful panel session, the event underscored the critical role of sales in driving economic growth and the urgent need for a structured and professionalized approach. As the event came to an end, it was clear that this was not just a networking cocktail but the beginning of a movement that would shape the future of sales as a respected and strategic profession in Africa.