On 7th and 8th of February 2024, Mr. Dickens Ouma, Ag Head of Legal, Industrial Relations and Membership, FKE, took part in the prestigious 7th African Social Partners Summit, a collaborative effort organized by the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE), with support from the European Union and Business Africa. This summit serves as a crucial platform where stakeholders from diverse sectors come together to assess progress and challenges in job creation across the African continent.
Over the years, the African Social Partners (ASP) Summits have played a pivotal role in generating multi-stakeholder guidance, documents, and materials aimed at guiding efforts to build skills and foster employment opportunities across Africa. Previous summits held in cities like Casablanca, Tunis, Algiers, and Abidjan have contributed significantly to shaping strategies for enhancing employment prospects and economic growth on the continent.
The 2024 Summit convened to review the current national progress on employment creation across African countries. It aimed to specify priorities by country, provide best practice examples, and identify effective strategies for promoting inclusive growth, sustainable development, and resilience, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the key focuses was on liaising with different agencies to provide updated information and resources for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), outlining how various policies and implementation plans would impact or improve ways of working for these vital economic contributors.
As a leading voice representing employers in Kenya, the FKE's participation in the 7th ASP Summit was instrumental. Their insights and perspectives contributed significantly to the discussions on employment creation, inclusive growth, and resilience-building in the post-pandemic era. Through active engagement and collaboration with other stakeholders, the FKE reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an enabling environment for businesses, promoting job creation, and advancing economic prosperity in Kenya and beyond.
The Federation of Kenya Employers' participation in the 7th African Social Partners Summit underscores its dedication to shaping the future of labor and employment across the continent. By actively engaging in discussions, sharing best practices, and forging partnerships with other stakeholders, the FKE continues to play a vital role in advancing the interests of employers and contributing to sustainable economic development in Kenya and Africa as a whole.