KEPSA, led by the CEO Ms. Carole Kariuki, on 10^th June 2025, articulated the Kenyan private sector's priorities at the Kenya-European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Strategic Partnership Breakfast Meeting. The engagement, co-hosted by the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) and the National Treasury, charted a course for Kenya's integration into the EBRD as a key partner and paved the way for the bank's inaugural branch in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The meeting also served as a crucial platform to assess Kenya's potential and shape the EBRD's country strategy, promising significant investment and development opportunities for the nation. In his introductory remarks, Mr John Mwendwa, CEO, KenInvest, called for collaboration to de-risk investments and enhance project preparation to attract capital.

The discussions also highlighted the opportunities for the EBRD to gain local market insights and identify investment opportunities as they prepare to open their Kenya office. Dr. Heike Harmgart of the EBRD provided valuable insights into the bank's extensive experience and diverse support roles, ranging from short-term trade finance to long-term project financing and risk mitigation. She underscored the EBRD's commitment to supporting the private sector, echoing KEPSA's own emphasis on the private sector's remarkable resilience and its critical role in driving economic growth.

In her remarks, Ms Carole Kariuki said that in a rapidly changing global landscape marked by economic pressures and climate shocks, the Kenyan private sector demonstrates remarkable resilience, driving the national agenda and working closely with the government. She added that KEPSA is committed to fostering this resilience by advocating for an enabling policy environment through robust public-private dialogue and providing direct business development support, especially for SMEs, youth, and women.

“Our focus remains on the 'triple bottom line' – Profit, People, and Planet – ensuring sustainable economic transformation. We actively champion initiatives like accessible financing, digital skilling (Ajira), and the circular economy, believing that by creating a conducive environment and empowering businesses, we collectively shape a prosperous future for Kenya.” Said Ms Kariuki while addressing the transformative role of the private sector in economic development.

EBRD team detailed the institution's role in supporting Kenya's private sector, as Kenya prepares to become a shareholder. The EBRD, established after the fall of the Berlin Wall, has a significant investment track record, including €2.5 billion in North Africa and the Middle East over the past decade, and a record €30 billion last year.

KEPSA remains steadfast in its commitment to championing the transformative role of the private sector in Kenya's economic development. By actively contributing its perspective and insights, particularly in engagements like this, KEPSA reinforces its dedication to fostering an enabling environment for businesses. This collaborative approach with key partners is crucial for unlocking Kenya's full economic potential and ensuring a future of sustainable growth and prosperity.