- The pledge was made during the launch of the Doing Business 2022 Action Plan Development Workshop.
- Since its establishment in 2003, KEPSA has managed to establish strong partnership and engagement platforms across all levels of government.
The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has re-affirmed its commitment to continue pushing for improved ease of doing business in the country and the region.
The pledge was made during the launch of the Doing Business 2022 Action Plan Development Workshop, organized by the Ministry of East African Community.
“In this last decade to the Vision 2030, it is crucial that we focus on private sector driven economic transformation to achieve our target of a rapidly industrializing middle-income economy. We must maximize on the many opportunities that have emerged at local, regional and international level for local industries to flourish,” said KEPSA Deputy CEO Martha Cheruto.
Since its establishment in 2003, KEPSA has managed to establish strong partnership and engagement platforms across all levels of government.
In 2014, KEPSA identified the Doing Business Index (DBI) as a crucial indicator for business in Kenya, through which President Kenyatta, during the 2014 Presidential Round Table promised to deliver a conducive environment for the private sector to thrive.
Then, Kenya was in the bottom ranking at position 136 out of 190 countries; on the country’s pro-activeness to address doing business challenges.
Kenya has made momentous strides, currently ranking at position 56 globally and 3 in sub-Sahara Africa.
This has been made possible through implementation of programs that ensure growth of business and social - economic development of the country as well as the continued Government-Private Sector dialogue on cross-cutting policy issues affecting private sector development.
“We’re moving in the right direction, such as the increased investment into the development of adequate and efficient infrastructure that has enabled the continued improvement of the business environment in Kenya. I particularly urge the County Governments to find sustainable solutions to enable businesses to operate easily within their respective counties, especially those with branches across the country,” said Adan Mohamed, the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community and Regional Development.
Regardless of the set-back in 2020 with the temporary suspension of the Doing Business Report and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the government has remained committed to the reform agenda to facilitate businesses and improve investment attractiveness.
Polycarp Igathe, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Equity Group Holdings commended the government’s efforts and the milestones achieved towards improving the business environment in Kenya.
The Private Sector’s commitment comes only a year short of the ambitious 2022 target to rank Kenya in position 50.
To achieve this, KEPSA will continue supporting businesses with opportunities for training, networking, financial linkages, mentorships and coaching, access to markets, value chain development, and investment opportunities with partners around the world.