The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) convened its 21^st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 18^th June 2025 in Nairobi. During the AGM, the leadership for 2025-2027 was announced, with Mr. Jaswinder Bedi of Bedi Investment Limited re-appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Ms. Brenda Mbathi, CEO of Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre (TRIFIC) Special Economic Zone (SEZ), was also re-appointed as Vice-Chairperson.

Four new Directors were appointed to the KEPSA Board, replacing those who had served their full term (See the list of all KEPSA Directors here). New leadership within the institution’s Governing Council was also introduced, with several new sector leaders appointed to guide the sector boards. The departing leaders were recognised for their dedicated service.

The year 2024 tested the strength and resolve of Kenya’s private sector. From economic strain to policy shifts and operational uncertainty, businesses faced pressure on multiple fronts. Inflation averaged 7.6%, the Kenyan Shilling depreciated by more than 21% against the dollar, and interest rates surpassed 13%, making access to finance more difficult for businesses. These conditions impacted operations, delayed investments, and caused many enterprises to downsize. According to the Central Bank of Kenya, private sector credit growth dipped below 9%, a telling sign of reduced liquidity and tightened monetary conditions.

Despite this, the private sector stayed resilient. According to Mr. Bedi, enterprises adapted where they could, cut back where necessary, and leaned more than ever on collaboration, innovation, and shared advocacy.

“As a Board, we drew inspiration from the collective resilience of our members and their commitment to pushing forward, even when conditions were far from ideal. We are proud that KEPSA remained firm in its leadership voice,” he noted.

KEPSA CEO Ms. Carole Kariuki added that the period underpinned KEPSA’s role both as a unifying voice for businesses and a strategic partner to the government.

“Even as we responded to urgent national matters, we didn’t lose sight of our long-term priorities. The world trade order is constantly evolving, and at KEPSA, we had to reassess our approach to delivering impact while maintaining our institutional integrity. Our focus shifted to the most important priorities: advocacy, member value, regional inclusivity, and partnerships. We used our resources wisely, engaged our consultative processes, and remained committed to our core mission: fostering a resilient and supportive business environment,” said Ms. Kariuki. 

In a time when business confidence could easily dip further, KEPSA’s steady presence continues to make a difference. It has created space for structured dialogue, protected opportunities for investment, and helped calm uncertainty.

Furthermore, as the country navigates uncertainty over the ongoing protests against police brutality, the business community remains a stabilising force. However, KEPSA leaders called for the de-escalation of the current national situation to prevent it from leading to further loss of life, destruction of property and negative impacts on businesses. (See the KEPSA Statement here.)

KEPSA reiterated its commitment and expressed great appreciation to its members and partners in the public and development sectors. The progress made by KEPSA over the last two decades is the result of consistent leadership, committed members, and a shared belief that the private sector can and must lead Kenya’s path to prosperity.