The COVID-19 pandemic has already impacted all areas of economic activity globally and in Kenya. KEPSA recognizes the role that the private sector plays to achieve our shared goal during this crisis: to maintain jobs and business continuity; to support health and social well-being of Kenyans; and to ensure the stability and security of Kenyan society. KEPSA set up a Covid -19 Action Platform made up of leaders of key sectors on behalf of the private sector.
The private sector recently met a section of the Cabinet Secretaries led by the National Treasury and presented the COVID-19 strategic recommendations matrix. Several recommendations and interventions which will benefit several sectors were agreed on. These measures were later presented to the President during the 11th Presidential Round Table where further directives were given for
implementation across various arms of government. The President committed to working with the private sector to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and the economy. Since those meetings, many interventions including some that are not captured in this document but extremely helpful to business and the economy have been implemented and/or are in the process of being actioned.
KEPSA has consolidated proposals from various private sector players representing all sectors of the economy. This COVID-19 strategic recommendations matrix has proposed a prioritized set of recommendations and interventions focused on economic response in consideration of health and social
dimensions. The focus is on short-term interventions given the crisis, but with a forward-looking view on potential ‘rebound’ opportunities in the mid-term.
The overriding focus of this economic framework on COVID-19 include:
- Maintaining jobs and livelihoods;
- Prioritizing the health and safety of our employees, communities, and healthcare workers;
- Protecting SMEs;
- Ensuring business and supply chain continuity;
- Mobilizing private sector capabilities and resources;
- Maintaining highest ethical standards;
- Avoiding moral hazard traps such as price spikes or producing or distributing lower quality products;
- Disseminating clear and accurate information frequently; and,
- Promoting social stability