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Dr. Gilda Odera was elected as the new national President of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) Wednesday. She makes history as the first woman to hold this position in the organization’s 65-year history, succeeding Dr. Habil Olaka, who has served as FKE President for the past four years.
Dr. Odera’s election comes at a pivotal time for FKE, as the federation has just unveiled a four-year strategic plan aimed at championing the rights of employers. This period promises to be a crucial time for FKE as it seeks to address the significant challenges faced by businesses in Kenya.
The FKE’s 2023 annual report highlights the high cost of doing business in the country, exacerbated by the Finance Act 2023, the depreciation of the shilling, and the high cost of capital. In response, the new strategic plan focuses on forming a formidable force to influence policy and regulatory environments, aiming to improve the business landscape in Kenya.
“Now the biggest task will be to implement it. That is always where the rubber meets the road; implementation of a strategic plan in this economy,” Dr. Odera said after her election. She addressed FKE’s commitment to influencing labor and socio-economic policies to create a conducive business environment for employers in Kenya.
FKE CEO Jacqueline Mugo echoed this commitment, stating, “Our promise to you is that FKE will be a powerful, balanced, and trusted body for employers.”
The change in leadership occurs amid concerns within the business community about the Finance Bill 2024, which has caused significant unease. Outgoing President Dr. Olaka remarked on the challenges faced over the past year, noting a decline in investor confidence and significant capital outflows due to the high cost of doing business and the depreciating Kenyan shilling.
Odera, who previously served as FKE’s Vice President, will lead the employer’s body for the next two years.
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