On 20^th February 2025, KEPSA, led by the CEO, Ms Carole Kariuki, participated in the 5^th DTB Economic & Sustainability Forum hosted in Nairobi by the Diamond Trust Bank Kenya (DTBK). The breakfast forum brought together government, policymakers, thought leaders and the private sector to discuss emerging issues of the day with an intent to catalyse participation in the country's development agenda for mutual gains.

Discussions at the forum rallied around the theme of the event – ‘Positioning for Recovery in a Fragile Environment’. Speakers discussed key macroeconomic developments, highlighting major issues affecting the economy while emphasizing stability and growth. Emerging opportunities for private sector players were also explored, along with risks and mitigation strategies.

In his opening remarks, Mr Linus Gitahi, Chairman of DTB Kenya noted the shift in competition starting from the East African Community region to global markets, emphasizing the need for increased competitiveness to ensure sustainability. He called for a collaborative effort to identify and address the challenges faced by Kenyan businesses while stressing the importance of Kenyan products and services competing globally, which he said would only be possible in a collective responsibility scenario involving both the private sector and government.

“At DTB, we go beyond financing—we believe in partnerships that create long-term value through strategic insights, advisory and sustainability-driven solutions.” Said Ms Nasim Devji, Group CEO, DTB.

DTB Kenya Chief Executive Officer Mr Murali Natarajan expressed strong confidence in Kenya’s economic resilience, citing its track record in overcoming challenges. He highlighted significant opportunities in the MSME sector, particularly as banks shift focus to retail and small businesses. He also commended the government and the Central Bank for their role in navigating last year’s economic difficulties.

The chief guest, Dr Chris Kiptoo, Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, expressed optimism that the current economic momentum would continue. He noted that Kenya's inflation had decreased to 3.3% in January 2025 from 6.9% the previous year, attributing this decline to the delayed effects of tight monetary policy. “When I started, it was very hard, and I had many sleepless nights. Now the worst is over, but the future is brighter. We have a resilient economy, diversified and that’s how we come out of shocks,” said Dr Kiptoo.

To increase lending to the private sector, Dr Kiptoo stated that the Credit Guarantee Scheme would be transferred to a government-owned company to continue operations. The Credit Guarantee is currently an arrangement between the government and seven banks in which the government agrees to pay a portion of the outstanding balance in the event of a default.

During the panel session, the KEPSA CEO emphasised the need to address the drivers of competitiveness while focusing on sectors like tourism which is a major stimulator of other industries. She said that the country should capitalise on the comparative advantages of Africa which include a youthful workforce, arable land and renewal energy and have a clear vision of where to focus and achieve the greatest impact.

Ms Kariuki was joined by Mr Kwame Owino, CEO, the Institute of Economic Affairs; Dr Julius King’etich, Group CEO, Jubilee Insurance; Dr. Abraham Rugo, Bugeti Hub and Ms Faith Aili, Head of Research, DTB in a panel that deliberated on Kenya’s economic trajectory. Some of the issues that arose from the discussion included unpredictable tax policies, governance issues, competitiveness, strategy collaborations and partnerships among others.