President Uhuru Kenyatta has said he is committed to creating a conducive environment for private businesses to thrive.
He said this will attract investments and promote job creation.
"The private sector is the engine of growth. Government certainly plays a central role,” Uhuru said.
The President spoke in Mombasa on Wednesday during the Kenya-Uganda Business Forum that was also addressed by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
The forum, whose theme was 'Strengthening Economic and Trade Partnerships', was attended by Deputy President William Ruto.
The forum was an opportunity to boost business, trade and investment between Kenya and Uganda.
Uhuru said Kenya and Uganda enjoy thriving economic and trade relations. Kenya’s value of total exports to Uganda stood at Sh61.8 billion in 2017 while the total bilateral trade was Sh103.8 billion, he said.
"We therefore need to put together the necessary measures to enhance this partnership for the benefit of our people," the President said.
Uhuru said Kenya and Uganda have resolved to partner in developing first class infrastructure under the framework of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP).
Museveni said it was clear that the private sector was the vehicle that would create wealth for the two countries.
“It is this wealth which will create the much needed jobs in our two countries,” he said.
He said for the private sector to operate successfully it needs a stable local and international markets, adding that the most important enabler for the both is good infrastructure.
While assuring the private sector of cheaper electricity in Uganda following his government's investment in power generation, Museveni once again commended Uhuru for giving priority to infrastructure development in Kenya.
