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Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua highlighted the vital role of development partners in fostering Kenya’s development and resilience strategies during the Second Development Partnership Forum held at the Official Residence in Karen on Tuesday.
Since its inception, the Forum has served as a crucial platform for high-level dialogue, promoting a holistic approach to development programmes and projects through continuous engagement with development partners. Deputy President Gachagua emphasized the importance of these partnerships in optimizing the absorption of donor funds for the benefit of the Kenyan people.
“As we endeavour for optimal absorption of donor funds for the benefit of our people, we look for the intensification of the engagement through the Joint Sector Working groups and the meetings to be held under the auspices of the Forum,” Gachagua stated.
Addressing the challenges posed by climate change, including floods, severe drought, and other recurrent issues, Gachagua stressed the necessity of building resilience in collaboration with development partners to avert the loss of lives and property. He underscored the priority of resilience-building in the nation’s developmental agenda.
Patrick Nyangweso, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), also spoke at the forum, highlighting the need for harmonizing various interventions to avoid unnecessary duplication. Nyangweso emphasized the critical role of the private sector in driving the implementation of development projects, particularly those aimed at supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
“There is a need to work with the private sector to drive the implementation of the various projects, especially the funds geared towards supporting MSME sector growth,” Nyangweso remarked. He further called for the harmonization of development partners’ projects to ensure efficiency and sustainability, noting that the private sector could provide technical and sustainable models.
On strengthening resilience in Kenya, Nyangweso urged the government to collaborate with private sectors and development partners to streamline adaptation to shocks for enhanced economic growth. “The government should consider working with private sectors and development partners to streamline adaptation to shocks for enhanced economic growth,” he added.
The forum underscored the ongoing commitment to deepening partnerships with development entities, highlighting the collective effort required to tackle pressing challenges and drive sustainable development.
