The KEPSA – Jersey Finance High-Level Networking Dinner, themed ‘A Future Focus: Sustainable Finance’ was held on the 17^th of June at the Sankara Hotel, Nairobi. The event focused on the green economy and sustainable finance while featuring key presentations from leaders.

Speakers during the meeting included Amb. Johnson Weru – Principal Secretary, State Department of Trade and Enterprise Development; Mr. Joe Moyniha – CEO, Jersey Finance; Mr. Darren Gillen – KEPSA Director, Foreign Investments; Mr. James Mureu – Chair, KEPSA Economic Diplomacy Sector Board; Mr. Faizal Bhana – Director, Middle East, Africa and India, Jersey Finance; Mr. Michael Gathu – Chief Representative, Kenya Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and Mr. Tom Le Feuvre – Director, Global Markets and International Agreements, Government of Jersey.

KEPSA leaders present included Dr. Elizabeth Wala – KEPSA Director, Health and Social Sectors; Mr. Gikonyo Gitonga – Chair, KEPSA Lands and Physical Planning Sector Board; Ms. Annette Kimitei – Chair, KEPSA Security Sector Board; KEPSA Education Vice-Chairs Ms. Pricilla Kerebi (Tertiary) and Ms. Wairimu Njage (Basic) and among other KEPSA members.

Mr. Joe Moyniha noted that Jersey Finance is set to initiate a mapping exercise to understand where gaps exist in trade relations between Kenya and Jersey. He added that Jersey Finance has joined the US market for sustainability and continues to work with world-leading financial institutions.

In his remarks, Mr. Darren Gillen invited Jersey Finance to work with Kenyan businesses to open up Kenya and the region at large. “Kenya has a youthful population that is innovative and tech-savvy. They are looking for partners and co-leaders of the next dozen or so innovative companies that could create global solutions, made in Africa.” He said.

While responding to a question on AfCFTA, Amb. Weru said there was a need to transform the economy of Commonwealth countries to increase the contribution to the GDP. He added that championing for AfCFTA protocol was key. “Legal and international framework is key and Kenya is willing to provide more instruments to facilitate trade.” He said.