The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) joins the nation and the world in mourning the loss of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, one of Kenya’s greatest statesmen.
We extend our sincerest sympathies and condolences to his entire family and friends during this difficult time of grief and loss.
The Right Honourable Odinga’s dedication to the country went beyond politics to Kenya’s economic prosperity, exemplified by his visionary leadership and commitment to the private sector.
It is with profound respect that we remember his instrumental role during his tenure as the 2nd Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya (2008-2013).
He became the first leader to institutionalise the Prime Minister’s Roundtable with the private sector in 2010. This forum established a critical, high-level mechanism for collaboration between government and industry, directly addressing bottlenecks and shaping policy for a better investment climate.
Now known as the KEPSA Prime Minister’s Roundtable, this pioneering initiative significantly contributed to improving the ease of doing business and remains a foundational component of public-private engagement in Kenya.
His deep commitment and actions to empowering the private sector as the key driver of inclusive wealth creation, economic growth, and job creation for Kenyans laid a crucial groundwork for the sustained partnership KEPSA enjoys with the government.
This involved investing in expanding key growth areas like the digital economy and circular economy, as well as strengthening value chains in productive sectors with closer ties to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
In collaboration with KEPSA, he championed efforts to transform Kenya into a competitive trading nation that manufactures and exports goods proudly branded “Made in Kenya.”
We cherish the memory of his tireless efforts to move the nation forward, foster an environment of dialogue, and champion reforms that have had a lasting, positive impact on the business community and the country.
His legacy of endurance, persistence, and patriotism for our beloved country will never be forgotten.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his family find strength and comfort in the memories of a life dedicated to public service.
