Let's unlock Kenya's potential in 2015

The better part of 2014 was characterised by hyped-up political activities and International Criminal Court (ICC) events that created uncertainties and challenges for businesses operating in Kenya.

We all know the challenges that come with operating in a business environment that is uncertain and always politically charged. "Let's wait and see" is the attitude that most investors and businessmen take in such an environment, which in turn slows down most if not all economic activities.

I have always stated that capital is a coward and investors will always look for a certain degree of business predictability and certainty before they commit their capital.

As we usher in the New Year most businesspeople will carry a lot of expectations into 2015. I hope and pray that 2015 will offer a better business environment that will ensure that business happens at both national and county levels.

My focus in the coming year will be to turn on the county potential which until now is still latent. I hope to do this by driving more intra-county trade, business networking among the counties and drive more in-bound and out-bound chamber missions. This will be done in collaboration with the county governments where they will showcase their potential and opportunities to the rest of the region and the world at large.

My other important agenda is strongly positioning the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) as the voice of all businesses. In the past this area has been crowded by the many players.

"The march to a million" recruitment drive will see us potentially recruit a million new members, and thus devolve our services to the common mwananchi.

Once all that I envisage is done, I am optimistic that the country's GDP will grow at a rate of 6.0 per cent. With the ICC chief prosecutor dropping of all charges against President Uhuru Kenyatta, it is hoped Kenyans will settle down and do more nation building.

Our President is expected to lead the country in building and establishing new foreign markets through bilateral and multi-lateral emphasis on exports of Kenyan products.

The KNCCI was in 2014 actively involved in carrying out the country's economic diplomacy and I accompanied the president in most foreign trade missions aimed at attracting foreign direct investments into the country and we hope to continue doing the same in 2015.

One area of grave concern is the role of Kenya Revenue authority (KRA) in creating a suitable business atmosphere. I would strongly urge KRA to widen the tax bracket rather than deepening it as is the case right now.

Many businesses live with the fear of unpredictable taxes being imposed and while we applaud the decision to expeditiously refund VAT, l would like to engage them more to develop practical ways of supporting the business community.

Kenya is integrated into a number of global value chains like floriculture, textiles, leather, manufacturing and tourism, but economic and social benefits have been limited due to insufficient or unsustainable linkages with other sectors.

The recent discoveries of minerals, oil and gas in Kenya and in other neighbouring countries has also drawn attention to Kenya with many investors looking to invest in these  sectors.

The KNCCI will position itself strategically to ensure Kenya gets maximum benefits from these discoveries, by enhancing its advocacy role. We shall endeavour to see that Kenyans reap these benefits.

Security concerns have been dogging the county since 2013. Perceived insecurity has crippled some of the biggest contributors to our economy like tourism, which was adversely affected in 2014.

While security is a preserve of the national government, it is our collective responsibility to make sure that we operate as business people in an environment that is secure. To compliment the efforts of our security forces and the government which has shown the goodwill to tackle insecurity by appointing a new security Cabinet Secretary and the President assenting to the new Security Bill, the chamber will be encouraging its members in 2015 to embrace the "biashara kumi" indicative to find out who your business neighbours are and what they do to improve security in areas of operation.

In 2014 the manufacturing sector in Kenya faced challenges which ranged from unhealthy competition from imported counterfeits to high cost of power, which in turn raised the cost of production making locally produced goods expensive.

We are hoping to see in 2015 strict laws against counterfeits and enforcement, so as to safeguard our industries. The proliferation of counterfeit products in Kenya, from consumer electronics to pharmaceuticals and fertilisers and other products is slowing Kenya's economic growth and putting the lives of many people at risk.

In October 2014 President Kenyatta launched the Olkaria IV power plant, the world's largest geothermal power plant and l am optimistic that this will reduce the cost of power significantly in 2015.

I sincerely hope that the impact of healthcare reforms in improving access and equity in the health sector,will provide an opportunity for Kenya government to provide better healthcare support for Kenya's middle income group.

Along with this, it is my hope again that the county governments will settle down and work together with the national government to realise the full potential of a devolved system of of governance which in my opinion is beginning to yield fruits.

We need less politics and more development.

The KNCCI will continue to play its role in ensuring we achieve the best for our beloved country through constructive and structured engagement with all players.

I am very optimistic that 2015 will offer renewed hope for all sectors of our economy.