The KEPSA Industrialization and Trade Sector Board held a retreat on 8^th December 2022 at the Trademark hotel. The retreat, which was graced by Dr Juma Mukhwana – Principal Secretary for Industrialization, discussed emerging issues pertinent to the sector that will enable the sector board to engage strategically with the new administration in light of the current state of the economy and also agreed on the sector priorities that will feed into the fourth National Business Agenda (NBA4).

In her opening remarks, the Sector Board Vice-Chair, Ms Mumbi Keega, stated that the retreat was very timely in discussing how the sector will progress with the new administration in place, as well as looking back at what the sector has done and how to advance the sector's agenda in collaboration with the government. She went on to say that the forum was also an opportunity to talk about how to make the most of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market prospects. She indicated some of the sector's important areas of focus, including cutting the cost of living, creating jobs and broadening the tax base.

The Sector Board Chair Ms Susan Maingi expressed hope for productive exchanges while urging members to be aware of changing dynamics as the new administration takes over and to be strategic in tapping into the government plan. She went on to say that the sector should focus on how to co-create solutions to problems in collaboration with the government, as well as synergize so as not to duplicate what others are already doing in the private sector. She also urged sector participants to promote the SME sector, which is at the core of the government's focus.

KEPSA Director in charge of Industrialization and Local Investments, Mr Mucai Kunyiha, underlined the importance of being very strategic while engaging the administration, saying that the government is so focused on its agenda that any departure from the same receives less attention. He also emphasized the need for KEPSA to pick and focus on critical areas to minimize duplication and closed by inviting members to participate in the discussion.

The forum featured presentations including; Progress of Manufacturing by Magdalene Kariuki - Associate Director at Africa Practice; AfCFTA and its Impact on Kenya by Mr Davilyne Busuru – Policy and Regulatory Compliance Analyst at KEPSA; and AfCFTA Progress and Opportunities by Mr Martin Azenga – Country Head of Trade at Stanbic Bank. Ms Wambui Mbarire – KEPSA Devolution Sector Board Vice-Chair urged the Principal Secretary to support the sector in ensuring a conducive environment that creates demand for locally manufactured products on top of exploring the export market.

In his address, the Principal Secretary affirmed the government's willingness to adopt great ideas for implementation, through the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry. He expressed his interest to partner with the private sector to co-generate solutions that will reinvigorate the sector. He assured the private sector that he is open to working together to achieve the set objectives.

The key outcome of the retreat was the formation of a joint committee between the private sector and the State Department of Industry to synthesize ideas that will be prioritized for implementation. It was also agreed that the sector board will also form an advisory team that will harmonize proposals to feed into the committee. Some of the priority areas proposed that will form initial discussion include how to effectively implement the 'Buy Kenya, Build Kenya' initiative; promotion of the launch of designated shelves in retail outlets for local products; expedition of payment to local suppliers; implementation of 'one-county, one product' initiative; and attracting investors to the East African Portland Cement for production of coal and clinker.

Interested members who would like to sit in the advisory team to express their interest through the sector lead.