On 1^st March 2023, KEPSA, led by the Chairperson Ms Flora Mutahi, held a meeting with Rt. Hon. Amason Kingi EGH, MP, the speaker of the Senate with the aim of setting out KEPSA’s legislative agenda with the 4^th Senate.

In attendance from KEPSA PPRM Board Committee was Eng. James Mwangi, Mr Graham Shaw and Dr Elizabeth Wala. Also, in attendance from the secretariat was Deputy CEO Victor Ogalo, Head of Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) and Legal and Legislative Advisor Joyner Okonjo.

From the Senate, the Speaker was accompanied by Mr Mohammed Ali, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr Brenda Ogembo – Senate Liaison Office, Ahmed Belel – Personal Assistant to the Speakers and Mark Agutu – Communications and Research Officer among others.

The Speaker of the Senate took note of KEPSA’s engagement with the Senate spanning 10 years and made a commitment to further the same during the tenure of the 4th Senate. He acknowledged that it is important to engage the private sector during the formulation of legislation so as to capture the concerns and aspirations of the private sector, which are at the core of economic growth and job creation. He also noted that there are some trade barriers that hinder trade across counties and looked forward to engaging KEPSA on the County Own Source Revenue Bill that is in motion to avoid the creation of sub-national tariff and non-tariff barriers to business. 

Ms Flora Mutahi appreciated the support and partnership that the Senate has accorded KEPSA over the years and called for speedy engagement that is geared towards making Kenya globally competitive and improving the cost of doing business across the counties. She acknowledged and welcomed the Prompt Payment Bill that is currently on the floor of the Senate. The KEPSA representatives reiterated the need for a predictable business environment to inspire confidence in resident local and foreign investors as well as to attract foreign investors.

The meeting also discussed partnering with Counties on energy reticulation and investment in off-grid and mini-grid solutions in far-flung areas of the country, value addition of agricultural produce and working with the health sector on World Health Organisation (WHO) guided and approved data collection methodologies in the counties.

The meeting agreed to hold a retreat with the Senate Liaison committee to discuss the above and pending senate bills in greater depth in April.