(30.4.2024 – Nairobi): Today, KEPSA joined other stakeholders at the UN Kenya’s Annual Results Report for 2023 launch at the UN Headquarters in Nairobi. The report elaborates on significant strides made in the 2023 implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Kenya 2022-2026, showcasing the progress and key results achieved collectively between the UN and its partners, including the private sector represented by KEPSA.

Speaking at the meeting, KEPSA CEO Carole Kariuki reiterated the immense impacts the private sector has achieved through significant partnerships with the entire UN System in Kenya over the years. “Together, we have collaborated on various initiatives, including public-private dialogues, disaster management, including responding to droughts and floods like the El Niño, spearheading peaceful elections, climate resilience and green transition, breastfeeding programs for children, women's empowerment, and support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), to mention but a few,” said the CEO.

Some of these partnerships include UNDP’s support of good governance advocacy through the Mkenya Daima Campaign with KEPSA, which seeks to promote electoral peace, inclusion, and cohesion. KEPSA has also partnered with UNICEF under the Better Business Practices for Children (BBPC) program key to achieving maternity protection, inclusive workplaces, and support for MSMEs through the Ajira Digital Program in collaboration with WFP.

“These joint efforts have enhanced the private sector’s role in the development of the economy and in creating a more stable business environment while contributing to sustainable development in Kenya,” she added.

UNSDCF is a core instrument for providing a coherent, strategic direction for UN development activities by all UN entities at the country level. It guides the UN system in planning and implementing UN development activities at the country level and mobilizing a spectrum of development partners beyond the United Nations.

“Achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 will only be possible through joined-up development action at scale. From supporting Kenya in hosting the Africa Climate Summit to the 6th edition of the Youth Connekt Africa Summit, which focused on fostering youth leadership and innovation for a borderless African renaissance, UN Kenya is proud that 2023 was a year that showcased the power of partnership, resilience, and innovation,” remarked Dr. Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya.

The report highlights the political and economic reforms that Kenya has implemented over the past decade, resulting in sustained economic growth, social development, and political stability. The country has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies globally, recording a 5% economic expansion in 2023 from 4.8% in 2022, primarily due to a recovery in agriculture.

However, this growth was challenged by global supply chain instability caused by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, surges in inflation, and significant public debt repayments, which have put pressure on government finances (National Treasury and Economic Planning 2023, Medium Term Budget Policy Statement).

Nevertheless, with GDP growth projected at 5.2% in 2024-25, Kenya has exhibited strong macroeconomic indicators, outperforming many African economies over the past five years. This is despite the COVID-19 pandemic, droughts, and floods. In the same period, Kenya has also recorded improved infrastructure and strong consumer demand from a growing middle class.  

“Despite the good news, Kenya remains in the global Climate Emergency's crosshairs, which brings gravity and volatility to the disaster risk reduction challenge. The tragic irony of swinging from drought to flooding is hard to ignore. These events cause significant distress and damage, testing the resilience of communities and the nation. In 2023, the humanitarian response by the UN Kenya and its partners reached 2.9 million people. Moreover, by the end of 2023, in response to the El Niño flood emergency, UN Kenya and its partners reached 452,000 people with lifesaving emergency assistance,” added Dr. Jackson.

Furthermore, Kenya has taken a global leadership role in climate mitigation and adaptation, aiming for “climate-positive” development. KEPSA is actively guiding businesses in measuring inclusive business impact, laying the groundwork for the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) program, which seeks to promote green growth and sustainable development.

In partnership with UNEP and the European Union, KEPSA piloted an innovative project called Switch Africa Green, supporting over 3,000 SMEs with innovative projects in four sectors: agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and integrated waste management. The participating enterprises created 5,000 new green jobs, and overall, 78% of participating enterprises reported cost savings, while 72% reported increased sales.

Today’s multi-stakeholder meeting emphasized regional integration, innovation in the digital sphere, investment in sustainable development that positively impacts the climate, infrastructure investment, and public-private partnerships. These measures are expected to create new business opportunities and maintain Kenya's development trajectory despite existing global challenges.

The forum brought together top government officials, development partners, and the private sector led by KEPSA. Also present were KEPSA members, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), and Safaricom. Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) was also present, represented by Ms. Lucy Muchoki, the National Director. The UN Global Compact Network Kenya was represented by Ms. Judy Njino, the Executive Director.  

The UN Kenya’s Annual Results Report for 2023 can be accessed here.