KEPSA held the Members and Partners End Year Cocktail Party on 7^th December 2022 at Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi. The African-themed event brought together industry leaders, development partners and the business community and provided an opportunity to network, introspect on the ending year, celebrate milestones and make new connections.

Ms Agatha Juma – KEPSA Head of Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) started off the climate setting by welcoming guests and engaging them on the expectations of the event.

The KEPSA Chairperson Ms Flora Mutai noted that the year was eventful but equally successful. At a time when the economy was reeling from the effects of COVID-19, back-to-back drought and election disruption, she noted that KEPSA has been at the forefront in enhancing the resilience to economic shocks through PPD engagements, B2B and matchmaking as well as inbound and outbound trade missions.

''Collaborative thought-leadership is critical for futuristic development of the industry,'' said Ms Mutahi in her remarks. She further noted the need for the private sector to pool their efforts and resources towards visionary development and the ongoing drought response initiatives.

KEPSA CEO started off her remarks by highlighting the key milestones of the ending year, guided by the 5 KEPSA strategic pillars. These pillars are the governance, social, sustainability, PPD and business hub. Under the Governance pillar, KEPSA shepherded the transition from one Government administration to another. Under the stewardship of the Mkenya Daima Steering Committee, KEPSA engaged different stakeholders including the then political candidates for the Presidency and the Nairobi Gubernatorial with the KEPSA economic manifestos and peace agenda.

Ms Kariuki lauded the Chair of the Mkenya Daima Steering Committee Dr Vimal Shah for ably spearheading the initiative and his international recognition as the most influential People of African descent for his work around peace initiatives. She also noted the instrumental role played by the KEPSA Foundation through the Pamoja Tuungane initiative, which saw the private sector contribute in excess of Ksh.1.5B towards the 2022 drought response initiative.

"The Kenya Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (KYEAAP) launched under the Social Pillar is expected to catalyze the creation of 1 million jobs for the youth, spread over the next 5 years," KEPSA CEO remarked.

Under the sustainability pillar, she further noted that key hallmarks included the launch of the second in sub-Saharan Africa- Kenya Plastics pact, the enactment of the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022 and a Presidential Roundtable on the National Tree Growing Campaign. In May, KEPSA held a Presidential Roundtable on the National Tree Growing Campaign, during which the private sector committed to the National Tree Growing Campaign.

Under the PPD, Ms Kariuki noted that KEPSA has been at the forefront in facilitating structured engagements with the Government. Other Key PPD milestones included a partnership with the Council of Governors to hold a roundtable as a precursor to the Biennial Devolution Conference and the convening of 3 Ministerial Stakeholders Forum under the new administration. KEPSA also facilitated 43 inbound and outbound trade missions, under the Business Hub pillar.

While representing Ms Annataria Wamariya – Director, Business Competitiveness at TradeMark East Africa (TMEA), noted that the organization is remodelling its operations to expand its reach to new territories in Africa. She further said that TMEA has partnered with KEPSA to implement a number of initiatives such as the PPD support, Vaccination drive and E-commerce program. Moving forward, she noted that TMEA will explore a partnership with KEPSA to enhance AfCFTA access and address the perennial challenge of Non-Tariff Barriers and customs clearance through a new initiative aptly referred to as the 'Guided Trade Initiative'. Ms Wamariya spoke on behalf of the chief guest, Mr David Beer - TMEA CEO.

Dr Stephen Jackson-the UN resident Coordinator emphasized the need for the private sector to mainstream the 3Ps: Planet, People & Profits in their pursuit of business growth. "Innovation ecosystem in Kenya is massive and with huge potential. Digital transition for government services cannot be possible without the private sector input," said Dr Jackson while adding that Kenyans' push, drive, creativity and refusal to accept failure are the key determination for the country's sustainable development.

The event sponsors included Bayer Ltd, Elgon Kenya, NCBA Bank Kenya, Bridge International Academies Limited, Intercity Secure Homes, Space and Style and KK security who ran a raffle award to one winner with Alarm, Fire and Ambulance for 6 months. Bayer EA-Production Lead for East & Southern Africa Mr Jimmy Kiberu, one of the key sponsors of the Cocktail event, lauded KEPSA for enhancing enabling environment and business growth in the tumultuous year, characterized by COVID-19 aftershocks and supply chain disruptions among other economic upheavals.

Mr Jas Bedi - KEPSA Vice-Chair, while moving the vote of thanks, lauded KEPSA for successfully convening the cocktail event. Further, he noted the instrumental role played by KEPSA in facilitating the peaceful electoral process and enhancing economic resilience. He further wished the guests a merry Christmas and a happy new year.