Collaboration
Bridging The Gap : Collaboration Between The Public And Private Sectors For Sustainable Growth
By Mercy Wanjau , MBS
In 1963 , Kenya stood at a crossroads , its national identity yet to be defined . What would shape our heritage and pride ?
Fast-forward to today , and Kenya has built a reputation for its work ethic and innovation . When Kenyans set to work , the results speak for themselves .
Our brands have not only crossed borders but redefined entire markets . As we reflect on this journey , we must ask : What lies ahead ?
Our ambition is very clear . We aim to be a globally competitive and prosperous nation by 2030 , where every citizen enjoys a high quality of life . This vision , anchored by Vision 2030 , encompasses quality health , security , meaningful jobs and opportunities for future generations . It ’ s a collective aspiration , closely aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that mirror our hopes for the future .
The path to achieving this , however , lies in sustainable growth . Whether public or private , every entity operating in Kenya must have the opportunity to optimize resources , generate returns and grow competitively . Sustainable growth is , after all , a shared responsibility .
In recent years , the demand for businessgovernment partnerships has surged , and Kenya now ranks ninth globally in fostering such collaborations . For our country to truly become like Singapore , we ’ ve got a lot of work to do , one of which is to establish the systems , structures and infrastructure that will support sustainable growth . However , the reality is that the government alone cannot drive the sustainable growth needed to elevate the nation .
This is where collaboration becomes essential . Partnerships provide financial support , knowledge transfer and leading practices that are key to scaling our initiatives . By joining hands with likeminded partners , we can indeed leverage expertise and resources in redress to common challenges and hasten our development goals .
Whether public or private , every entity operating in Kenya must have the opportunity to optimize resources , generate returns and grow competitively . Sustainable growth is , after all , a shared responsibility .
Consider the Turkana Wind Farm , Africa ’ s largest renewable energy project , and a fine example of public-private collaboration . The project ’ s outcome is significant , generating 310 megawatts of power and contributing to positioning Kenya as a leader in the renewable energy space .
For partnerships like these to endure , the government must execute its ’ role of creating an enabling environment through policy , legal , regulatory instruments and creation of public awareness . In this regard , the Government is committed to reviewing the Public-Private-Partnership legislative framework to accelerate such kind of collaboration .
Kenya is , and remains , open for business . Private-sector players must be proactive partners in fostering change and innovation . It ’ s time to bridge the gap , listen to one another and embrace forward-looking ideas .
The government is ready for collaboration , committed to accelerating growth , optimizing resources , and paving the way toward a prosperous future . We have come from far . We are on the journey . Na tutaenda mbali !
Mercy Wanjau , MBS , is the Secretary to the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya . You can commune via email at : Secretary @ cabinet . go . ke .
04 MAL62 / 24 ISSUE