On 2^nd February 2022, KEPSA, led by the CEO Ms. Carole Kariuki participated in the launch of the Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP 4) 2023-2027 Preparatory Process at the Kenyatta International Convection Centre (KICC). Initiated by the National Treasury through the State Department for Planning, the development of the MTP 4 will be spearheaded by 25 Medium Term Plan Sector Working Groups (MTPSWG) which have been established to identify/formulate sector policies, programmes and project and prepare Sector Plans and draft sections and chapters. The MTPSWG will undertake these activities with guidance from the consultations from stakeholders.

Amb. Ukur Yatani – Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury and Planning Ministry was the chief guest at the event attended by Hon. Eric Wafukho – Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) National Treasury and Planning, Mr. Saitoti Torome – Principal Secretary, State Department for Planning, Hon. Gladys Wanga – Chairperson of the Finance and Planning Committee in the National Assembly, Mr. Stephen Jackson – UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Julius Court – Deputy British High Commissioner, Anne Amadi – Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, KEPSA Director Dr. Elizabeth Wala, KEPSA leaders among other participants.

In his opening remarks, PS Torome noted that the process gives stakeholders a platform to be part of the development goals of the nation. He noted that the MTP 4 will prioritize implementation of economic recovery strategies to re-position the economy on a steady and sustainable growth trajectory. PS Torome also noted that the plan will aim to revitalizing performance in all economic sectors in order to foster growth, employment creation and poverty reduction.

In her remarks, Ms. Kariuki, on behalf of the private sector, commended the great strides made by the government to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. She also noted the effort made to promote the health of Kenyans despite the strain exerted in health systems and disruption in provision of essential health services.

The KEPSA CEO noted that infrastructure was key to the development of any nation. She appreciated the digitization of government services while calling upon the governments to continue with the digitization. Ms. Kariuki appreciated the revitalization of the education sector that has seen the implementation of the competency-based education. She mentioned the much-needed progress in technical and vocational institutions, especially the recognition of prior learning which is transforming the lives of MSMEs and skilled artisans.

The UN Resident Coordinator noted that Kenya remains an island of stability, growth and progress, set in a sea of challenges and this means that sustainability and resilience must be at the core of MTP 4. In his remarks, the Deputy British High Commissioner in Kenya outlined opportunities the Embassy is focusing on including; Private finance mobilization and prudent use of private finance; More emphasis on the youth; Inclusion to bridge the inequality gap and Greening of the economy.

Hon. Gladys Wanga said that the launch provides the Finance and Planning Committee with an opportunity to participate in this entire process that leads to production of the MTP 4. She added that the common understanding during this departure process will be key in guiding the committee’s day-to-day activities as it addresses issues related to financing the national development plan. Hon. Wanga added that the committee has continued to play a significant role in the budget preparation process through the medium-term expenditure framework.

The chief guest Hon. Yatani noted that MTP 4 will guide the development agenda of the country for the period 2023 to 2027. He added that it will also implement the second-last phase of Kenya Vision 2030 and therefore set momentum for the next long-term development blueprint. He emphasized on the need to learn from the previous MTPs to ensure that the second-last MTP puts country into a success trajectory.