KEPSA CEO Ms Carole Kariuki met with the Economic Counselor to the U.S Embassy in Kenya Mr James Potts on 7^th December 2022 at the KEPSA offices. The focus of the meeting was to discuss partnerships and priority areas that would ensure an improved investment and business climate in Kenya.

Mr Potts who joined the Nairobi office in August this year appreciated the diversity of the Kenyan economy having worked across different African nations. He noted that diversity presented a huge opportunity for business and entrepreneurial growth.

Mr Potts noted that the Embassy is focusing on a coordinated approach towards addressing the economic issues around Kenya impeding business growth with a priority on the agriculture and energy sectors. This would see the Embassy consulting and bringing together businesses through their associations to identify the best solutions for the economic challenges in Kenya. This approach would ensure that the proposals that the embassy eventually presents to the government are sustainable and pro-business.

Ms Kariuki elaborated on the KEPSA focus areas, which include policy and regulations undertaken through a structured Public Private Dialogue framework that KEPSA utilizes to engage the Government and development partners in issues that promote business competitiveness. Ms Kariuki also said KEPSA is involved in socio-economic issues such as climate change, governance, youth agenda and women in leadership undertaken through KEPSA Foundation with support from Development Partners.

The extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which is expiring in 2025 and The United States – Kenya Free Trade agreement discussions were also featured in the meeting where it was noted to be a process that was still in the pipeline. Mr Potts called upon Kenyan businesses to take advantage of the first mover advantage since the agreement would be the first of its kind in Africa. He also noted that the agreement, besides addressing the market access issues, would also ensure that the technical trade barriers are addressed not only in the short-term but long-term basis.

As a way forward, the meeting agreed to have follow-up engagements that will be held to agree on the specific areas of strategic partnership as KEPSA finalizes the National Business Agenda Four (NBA4).