In his keynote address, the Prime Cabinet Secretary H.E. Musalia Mudavadi recognized the crucial role played by private equity in the growth of economies worldwide including Kenya. He observed that over the past few decades Kenya has embarked on a transformative journey and made remarkable progress in the socio-economic, political and technological fields.

He underscored that Kenya’s present reality offers a unique convergence of factors that must be harnessed to unlock the country’s enormous potential. Appreciating that private equity and venture capital have been a catalyst for innovation, job creation, sustainable business growth and overall business expansion, he expressed commitment by the Kenyan government to supporting private equity and venture capital in the following ways:

(a) creating a favorable regulatory environment that supports investment and innovation;
(b) enhancing Kenya’s digital competitiveness;
(c) pursuing and maintain strong trade relationships that offer large markets; and
(d) investing in education and talent development to provide a skilled workforce that attracts investors and that supports businesses.

He concluded by emphasizing that the success of Kenya’s private investment ecosystem depends on the collaboration and contribution of all stakeholders in the PE/VC sector. The roundtable was a perfect opportunity for all stakeholders to propose meaningful initiatives that will make Kenya even more attractive to private capital.