Kenya Private Sector Alliance has hosted a High-Level Engagement with the Senate Liaison Committee with an aim of strengthening county competitiveness by addressing systemic regulatory, institutional, and market barriers that hinder private sector growth, while creating an environment that attracts investment, fosters public-private collaboration, and drives inclusive economic growth.
The meeting held under the theme “Enhancing County Competitiveness: Fixing the Red Tape, Fueling Investments,” convened Chairpersons from various Senate Committees alongside top private sector leaders to hammer out collaborative frameworks aimed at radically improving the ease of doing business nationwide.
Speaking during the opening of the event, Sen. Kathuri Murungi, Deputy Speaker of the Senate of Kenya and Chairperson of the Senate Liaison Committee, stated that streamlining regulations and modernising service delivery are critical to unlocking localised economic growth and fulfilling the true promise of devolution.
“We must fix the red tape that is choking our counties if we are to unlock their full potential as hubs of agribusiness, manufacturing, digital innovation, tourism, and trade,” noted Hon. Murungi. “Let us move beyond diagnostics to concrete, actionable recommendations. The Senate stands ready to fast-track necessary legislative interventions and provide robust oversight to ensure implementation.” Remarked the Murungi.
“Kenya has developed progressive laws and policies intended to improve the business environment, strengthen governance, and facilitate investment. However, the true measure of success lies not in the existence of legislation but in its implementation.” Remarked James Mwangi, KEPSA Director and Chair of KEPSA Public Private Dialogue and Thought Leadership Board Committee.
In a presentation reviewing institutional engagements between KEPSA and the Senate Liaison Committee, Mutheu Kasanga, KEPSA Director of Education, Sports, Arts & Culture and ICT, reported that a total of 29 key action items are being tracked under an effective 90% success framework, with half already fully implemented and 41% showing remarkable progress.
She highlighted completed milestones such as the lifting of the energy moratorium, the listing of corporate green bonds, and the establishment of a historic governance MoU with six Regional Economic Blocs.
The extent to which counties attract investment, support businesses, and create jobs will significantly determine Kenya’s overall competitiveness and economic resilience.
In a presentation on Private Sector Engagement for Women’s Economic Opportunity Program, Ms Gloria Ndekei, Executive Director, KEPSA Foundation, highlighted KEPSA Foundation’s ongoing interventions in community development, emphasising women’s economic empowerment through leadership training, business incubation, financial inclusion, and strengthening of women entrepreneur associations.
Eunice Gichangi, Deputy Clerk of the Senate, lauded KEPSA for its steadfast commitment to the Senate-KEPSA partnership since its inception. She highlighted KEPSA’s impactful contributions, including committee submissions, participation in induction retreats, and targeted leadership engagements with the Liaison Committee. Over the years, this collaboration has reinforced a shared understanding that quality legislation, responsive institutions, and predictable regulation are vital to fostering a competitive business environment and ensuring the success of devolution.
“The partnership between the Senate and KEPSA demonstrates the value of constructive public-private dialogue in identifying practical solutions to barriers that hinder investment, job creation, and economic transformation,” Said Mr Victor Oteku, Programme Coordinator at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).
The event featured various discussion sessions on ICT Infrastructure and Digital Inclusion; Agribusiness Development; Regulatory Harmonisation and Predictability; and Resource Allocation and Capacity Building.
