Private Sector Round Table Engagement

Private Sector Round Table Engagement with H.E. The Vice President of the Republic of Kenya

I was today privileged with KNCCI leadership to hold a meeting with the Kenya Deputy President, H.E Rigathi Gachagua at his Official Residence in Karen.

Deputy President assured the Chamber of Commerce of his availability and that of the Head of State to support the business community in dealing with red tape and hurdles for ease of doing business. He assured the Chamber of Commerce of unequivocal support in the execution of mandate of enlarging and creation of new markets for export, create more investment opportunities, incentives on manufacturing sector and commercial diplomacy.

We reiterated the mandate of the Chamber of Commerce in facilitating Trade and Investment through its 47 county chapters across the country with its vast International partnerships of 177 countries globally which has placed us at the core of enhancing markets for Kenyan products and gathering market intelligence.

I raised the issue of pending bill of Ksh 481 billion with counties reporting an outstanding pending bills at Ksh 168.62 billion, straining the financial health of business. I sought the support to expedite the passing of the Prompt Payment Bill, 2021 that aims to address timely payment for the supply of goods, works, or services.

The Chamber Vice-President Mustafa Ramadan, in his remarks expressed the need for diversification of key products such as tea from traditional markets of Egypt and Pakistan who combined account for 65% of exports from Kenya to other countries such as Kazakhstan, Belarus and Saudi Arabia (Coffee). Mr. Mustafa Ramadan spoke to KNCCI preparations for Kenya Week to be held in both Nairobi and Jeddah in the month of May.

We agreed framework on the next steps that will tackle cross cutting range of issues and areas of convergence in agriculture, manufacturing , youth and women, and labor export amongst other sectors identified from the deliberations was established.

Was happy to be accompanied by National Directors Eng. Ken Onditi, Lucy Muchoki, Abdullahi Hersi,Cynthia Kamau and Committee Chaiperson Esther Nthenya ,Members Dr.Tejal Dodhia, Thande Kaiga , CPDU KK Mutai and Members of the Secretariat.