State, Federation of Kenya Employers join hands to boost economy

Kenya: The Government has promised to work closely with the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) to improve the economy.

Deputy President William Ruto assured FKE that the Government would create a conducive environment for investors by putting in place measures, which include improving infrastructure, energy and security so that investors can engage in meaningful activities for economic growth.

"The Government is improving roads and the railway system to bring down costs of transport and it has also created partnerships with the private sector in the last one year to add 700MW of geothermal energy to the national grid in an effort to lower the cost of power," he said.

Addressing FKE representatives in Nairobi, the DP said the affordable, reliable and good quality energy would benefit both employers and employees as the number of jobs would grow and there would be creation of more wealth.

Ruto said as the employers get a higher return on investment, they should also ensure their workers get fair pay.

He called upon FKE to support the Government initiative of restructuring the National Social Security Fund by changing the mode of contribution as a way of mobilising domestic resources for use in developing the country.

"Raising levels of savings will move the country forward and the Government is ready to engage the private sector on such," Ruto added.

The DP said the Government plans to raise savings levels to create competition for investors, improve goods and services and expand the market.

Ruto said the creation of an arbitration centre in Nairobi would be a mechanism to get quick resolutions in case of disputes in the East Africa region.

FKE Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo said the Kenyan labour market has low employment levels translating to high joblessness.

"FKE wants to engage the Government to find out how we can strengthen the labour sector," she said.

"We would like to have a conducive labour environment free from strikes and over taxation, and one that pays competitive wages," added the director.