KEPSA Foundation on 15^th September 2023 participated in the 19^th Annual General Meeting of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya). KEPSA Foundation was represented by Mr Patrick Wandare, who laid out vividly the complementary role of the Private Sector and Political Parties in fast-tracking Economic development in a recovering economy. Members present at the CMD-Kenya AGM included; Hon. Priscilla Nyokabi – Chairperson, CMD-Kenya; Mr Frankline Mukwanja – Executive Director, CMD-Kenya; Prof. PLO Lumumba; and representatives of different parties in Kenya.

Mr Wandare in his remarks noted that the resilience of the private sector has been tested over time and most notably, during the Covid-19 pandemic which negatively impacted a number of businesses and the intervention by the government and political players helped steer the ship to the shores of stability. In a recovering economy, the private sector continues to shape the conversation and play its complementary role in fast-tracking economic development through partnership with the Government and key stakeholders in multi-stakeholder engagements.

He went on to highlight the four thematic areas of the KEPSA Foundation including; Governance; Women Leadership and childcare; Climate Change, Resilience and sustainability; and Community Outreach and Partnerships. Notably, he also spoke of the Mkenya Daima Initiative a non-partisan Multi-stakeholder platform with the primary purpose of inspiring peaceful elections and a peaceful transition since 2012.

• Through the Mkenya Daima Initiative, the Foundation has engaged political parties and their leaders to inculcate good leadership and governance alongside championing responsible participation in elections by Kenyans as well as encouraging peaceful transition of leadership.
• Engaged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), and Registrar of Political Parties, among other key stakeholders in elections in order to advocate for political and economic stability during elections.
• On the political demonstrations by the opposition leaders, the Mkenya Daima issued two Press Statements urging the leaders to embrace Dialogue and give bipartisan engagement a chance.
• With the guidance of the steering committee, the foundation Consolidated and submitted a Memorandum of issues that concerned the private sector to the National Dialogue Committee.

He added that The foundation has proposed a five-year plan that will be escalated during the election year.

Creating an efficient business environment through collaborative engagement with state and non-state actors including political players and Civil Society Organizations will expand the scope of doing business beyond the borders of the country and into global realms. Participation, accountability, and collaboration between the government and the private sector are key ingredients to the growth of the business environment.

For Kenyans to achieve their aspirations of a better future, good business environment, good governance and leadership, public accountability and efficient and transparent systems are key to unlocking this dream. This will birth hope, confidence, and optimism among Kenyans.