The KEPSA Leadership Induction and Retreat was held in Naivasha on 3rd and 4th August 2023. The retreat brought together KEPSA Board of Directors, Governing Council (Sector Board leaders), Advisors, Foundation and Management.

The first day was, the induction of the KEPSA board, which was appointed at the 19^th KEPSA AGM on 15^th June 2023, session on the KEPSA business strategy, roles and responsibilities of board committees and the board of directors.

While reflecting on the relevance of KEPSA in the current economic and political landscape on 5^th August, Mr. Jas Bedi, KEPSA Chair focused on KEPSA’s competitiveness agenda and highlighted the need for the Private sector leaders to focus on labour productivity, financing, bill of materials, cost of utilities, cost of logistics as we strive for world class status in an everchanging global market.  He reiterated  that the government's focus on market access for export markets and the need to keep our attention on  trade tariffs within regional regimes like EAC, COMESA, and AFCFTA.

Arch. Lee Karuri – KEPSA Trustee, Dr Vimal Shah – KEPSA Trustee, Ms Rita Kavashe -KEPSA Advisor, Eng. James Mwangi – KEPSA Director and Mr Gikonyo Gitonga -Immediate Past Chair – Lands & Housing Sector Board  reflected on their leadership experience and learnings during their leadership tenure. They shared their perspective on leadership impact and how to leverage the power of KEPSA’s influence and networks to drive change and impact the private sector.

Ms. Carole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO, presented the KEPSA business strategy (2023 – 2027). In the presentation she highlighted the 6 pillars KEPSA will focus on in achieving the new strategy namely Public-Private Dialogues, Policy and Thought Leadership, Consultancy & Technical Services, Members’ Lounge, KEPSA Global / International and Programs / Projects.

The KEPSA Vice Chairperson, Ms. Brenda Mbathi presented on the state of the Kenyan economy and the role the private sector plays in placing the Country on a global competitive path. She also noted the global supply chain disruption that have arisen due to geo-political tensions that have contributed to hikes in energy and food prices. Ms. Mbathi reminded the meeting  that there were  opportunities that Kenya could leverage on to enhance her global competitiveness even in the midst of the challenges earlier highlighted .

KEPSA Foundation, led by the chair, Mr. Patrick Obath and the Executive Director, Ms. Gloria Ndekei gave an overview and successes of the Foundation including a highlight on the  program on combating disinformation in the private sector in partnership with CIPE (Centre for International Private Enterprise) .

The meeting was appraised on the ongoing work to mainstream Youth, Gender and SME’s across all KEPSA sector boards and programmatic work. All the leaders were tasked with identifying and supporting champions for gender, youth and SME’s. 

Summary of deliberation and resolutions  can be accessed here:  https://bit.ly/3Oq0kGE