On 29^th September 2022, KEPSA CEO Ms Carole Kariuki held a meeting with the Turkish Commercial Counsellor, Mr Mustafa Alici to discuss areas of collaboration between Kenyan and Turkish-owned businesses.

During the meeting, which was held at the KEPSA offices, Ms Kariuki appreciated the continued good working relationship between KEPSA and the Turkish embassy, adding that their collaboration will facilitate conversations between the private sector apex body and the Government Agencies, on issues involving policies and regulations, especially on product standardization. The KEPSA CEO also mentioned the various capacity-building programs that KEPSA is running to empower SMEs to embrace technology so that they can trade regionally and internationally.  

Ms Kariuki added that KEPSA hosts the International Chamber of Commerce, (ICC-Kenya) which plays a critical role in international dispute resolution, mentioning that organization also has a standing MoU with the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA) to facilitate quick dispute resolution.

Mr Alici appreciated KEPSA's efforts in advocating for an enabling business environment in Kenya, which has resulted in many businesses growing exponentially. He went further to specifically recognize the Kenyan agriculture sector for producing high quality which has been exported to the Turkish markets.

Going forward, the two parties agreed on the following:

1. To organize an online session between Kenyan business people with their counterparts from Turkey whereby they can be matched depending on their sectors of interest.
2. To embrace the use of Turkish technology in the value addition of Kenyan products, to facilitate job creation opportunities in the two countries.
3. To Invite Kenyan businesses in Turkish trade fairs and exhibitions to scout and explore more opportunities of trade.

Also present in the meeting were Mr Alvin Akoko - Trade Advisor Embassy of the Republic of Turkey and Dr Ehud Gachugu, Director - Ajira Digital and Youth Employment, KEPSA.