Ahead of the annual National Prayer Breakfast, leaders convened at the 2025 National Conversation forum on 27^th May 2025, emphasising inclusivity as a cornerstone for national rebuilding. The forum, held under the theme "Rise and Rebuild", served as a precursor to the Prayer Breakfast, bringing together diverse voices to discuss the country's future.

The forum brought together leaders from all sectors of society to discuss issues around the theme “Rise and Rebuild.” It was presided over by Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar, who represented the Senate Speaker Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi. KEPSA CEO Ms Carole Kariuki represented business leaders in a conversation that discussed what it takes for Kenyans to rise and rebuild their country.

“Let this be a conversation of inclusion — where the voices of women, youth, persons with disabilities, pastoral communities, and marginalised regions are not only heard but respected and acted upon. Let it also be a conversation of healing, where wounds of the past can find balm in dialogue and reconciliation. And most importantly, a conversation of vision — where we dare to dream and act boldly.” Said Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi in his speech.

The forum also identified key challenges and proposed solutions, with a significant emphasis on integrating the youth to be co-creators and not mere beneficiaries of national development.

The KEPSA CEO emphasised the criticality of an inclusive policy framework, where she noted that rebuilding regulatory stability involves institutionalising predictable tax and policy frameworks with private sector input, implying a more inclusive approach to policy-making that incorporates diverse perspectives.

“We face regulatory unpredictability. Over 40 tax or policy changes have been made across three Finance Acts since 2022. For businesses trying to plan or invest, this volatility is paralysing.” Noted Ms Kariuki during the forum while adding that the cost of doing business remains high, considering Kenya's energy, transport, and logistics costs outpace regional peers.

Ms. Kariuki joined Hon. (Dr.) Jackson Kipkemoi Kosgei in a session moderated by Sen. Samuel Poghisio. This session critically examined the country's accomplishments while delving into the roles of Generation Z and the youth in general, identifying crucial gaps and opportunities for national reconstruction.

All feedback from the forum was collated into a summary communique, which will be presented at the Kenya National Prayer Breakfast. The Kenya National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event organised by the Parliament of Kenya, brings together the three arms of government – the legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary – with the corporate leadership to jointly pray for the country.