Nairobi, KENYA: (BY PSCU) President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the Big Four agenda offers many opportunities for the private sector to create wealth for the country’s citizens.
He said the agenda, which focuses on manufacturing, universal healthcare, affordable housing and food security, is aimed at boosting Kenya’s development, create wealth and employment for the youth.
“I have given priority to four key areas to spur economic growth, create jobs for our young people and improve the quality of life of our people over the next five years,” said President Kenyatta.
President Kenyatta spoke on Tuesday at the technology innovative centre I-Hub, Nairobi, where he was the chief guest at the opening of the Africa-France Business Forum and the launch of the Stars in Africa’.
The programme focuses on youth entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Head of State said Africa was looking for a partnership with the private sector that could create opportunities for the youth and reduce challenges such as migration of youth to Europe in search of jobs.
“Let me welcome you to partner with us on a win-win basis. That partnership will deliver jobs that our youth are looking for; and on your part, you will make a rewarding return on your investment,” President Kenyatta said.
He said in the next five years, the Government intends to expand manufacturing and increase its contribution to GDP from 9 per cent to 15 per cent; achieve universal health coverage, facilitate the construction of half a million low-cost houses and ensure food security.
The President said Africa was also keen to transform itself into an ideal place of doing business and has undertaken reforms in the last ten years to create a conducive environment for business.
President Uhuru said his administration has encouraged the private sector to invest in power generation in its effort to deliver jobs.
He assured foreign investors that Africa is now ripe for investment and prosperity, saying its youthful, creative and innovative entrepreneurs are bold and resolute in implementing their ideas.
“Africa is marching away from a narrative of helplessness to that of hard work and prosperity, anchored on investment and trade,” said President Kenyatta.
He said Africa’s youthful population, lifted by a global technology wave, has for the first time led to a generation of young people around the world who have similar aspirations.
He said the narrative of poverty, underdevelopment and lack of infrastructure that have been associated with Africa is fading fast, conquered, in part, by the energy and drive of its young people.
President Kenyatta cited the energy sector where French investments are substantial. He urged more entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities.
He said the Government looks at energy access as a national priority and a key booster for investment and growth.
The French Business Confederation (MEDEF) President Pierre Gattaz, who is also the Vice-President of Business Europe, affirmed the commitment of the largest French business confederation to work with Kenya to achieve President Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda, especially in manufacturing to create jobs.
MEDEF represents 75 per cent of French companies of all sizes and in all sectors of the economy.
Mr. Gattaz said the delegation’s visit to Kenya was a response to President Kenyatta’s invitation when he was on a State visit to France in 2016.
“This delegation of 60 French business people, representing 50 companies, brings together the most advanced companies, skills and expertise from a wide range of sectors, including energy, environment, infrastructure, transport, telecommunication and banking,” Mr Gattaz said.
Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) CEO Carole Kariuki said the local private sector welcomed the ‘Star in Africa’ initiative, expressing confidence that the right policies, culture and change in the education system will improve youth employment in Kenya and across the continent.
Other speakers were Cabinet Secretaries Adan Mohamed (Industry, Trade and Cooperatives) and Margaret Kobia (Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs).
