On 20^th May 2022, the KEPSA CEO Ms. Carole Kariuki delivered a keynote speech during the 2^nd International Peace Conference on Peace, Security, and Social Enterprise at the Mt. Kenya University in Thika. The conference sought to bring together stakeholders from the universities, public and private sectors to discuss strategies to entrench peace and security for socio-economic development. The theme of the event was; The Role of Universities, Public and Private Sectors in Peace Building for Socio-economic Development.

Speaking on the topic, “Mobilizing the private sector for peace through Mkenya Daima Initiative”, Ms. Kariuki started by thanking the leadership of Mt. Kenya University for organizing the conference at such an opportune time when the country is gearing up towards the August 9^th general elections.

“There could not be a better and appropriate time to talk matters peace and security than now.  We are all aware of what is happening at the global stage with the Russia-Ukraine war, and the instability at the regional level in some of our neighbouring countries. Here at home, we know that we are in an electioneering period – a time that we need to practically engage in strategies that will assure us of stability, peaceful elections and transition.” She said.

Highlighting on Peace on the global stage, Ms. Kariuki said that Global Peace deteriorated by 0.07% in 2021, the ninth year it had deteriorated in the last 14 years. Middle East and North Africa remained the least peaceful regions in the world, with Europe ranking as the most peaceful region in 2021 until the Russia-Ukraine war. “In the recent past, the COVID-19 pandemic played a big role in creating civil unrest in some countries, luckily this did not happen in country Kenya.” Noted Ms. Kariuki.

In dealing with insecurity, Ms. Kariuki said that the private sector in order to adapt and to be resilient, tries to anticipate these challenges in planning and investment. “Businesses withhold investment and spending or redirect spending to security measures or to areas which are perceived to be less risky, which leads to a reduction of investment and FDIs”.

The KEPSA CEO also mentioned that the private sector has become a trusted voice in mediation, and advisory in times of crisis and uncertainty in the country.  “This has been so because we are non-aligned and non-political, yet we celebrate and point out when parties do well in an area or when rules are broken.” She continued.

While highlighting some of the achievements of the Mkenya Daima initiative in pursuit for strengthened and sustainable Socio-economic Development, Ms. Kariuki said that the private sector has been engaging various stakeholders including religious leaders, civil society, student leaders, Media, private sector, development partners, the Senate, Judiciary, IEBC, and other organs charged with managing elections including the National Police service, Ministry of Interior, and coordination of National Government, the Judiciary, CMA and NCIC. 

Among others key achievements, Ms. Kariuki mentioned that the Mkenya Daima initiative has engaged the leading political alliances to try and foster people-centered economic manifestos. “The focus of the two meetings was to shape the aspirant’s views and have them address the aspirations of the country and its citizens and outline how they can deliver on these aspirations whilst taking Kenya to where it needs to be on a global platform, and ensure a peaceful transition.” She noted.