Kenya is facing complex economic challenges, which present opportunities for innovation and transformation.
The Economists Society of Kenya (ESK) national Chairman Dr. Dunstone Wafula said Kenya is currently at a crucial turning point in its economic journey due to the global economic turbulence, but there were indications that prove the resilience and potential of our economy to withstand these challenges.
To this end, Wafula lauded the government efforts on the economic front saying that inflation, though still a concern, has been brought under control and key sectors such as agriculture, technology and manufacturing continue to show progress.
It’s worth noting that inflation in Kenya`s history was at its all-time high, when the shilling traded at over Sh150 per dollar.
Wafula noted that the reduction in inflation, though gradual, is helping to stabilize prices and restore the purchasing power of Kenyans.
Moreover, the government’s focus on economic diversification, infrastructure development and human capital investment has laid a solid foundation for future growth.
The chairman was speaking in Naivasha, during the 2025 Capacity Building Workshop for Economists in the country themed: “Building Core Competencies in Economic Planning and Management.”
The five-day forum seeks to highlight the importance of equipping economists with the technical skills required to support the government’s economic transformation efforts.
The workshop is designed to strengthen our technical capabilities, but also to enhance our ability to support the government in driving Kenya’s economic transformation the role of economists in supporting government efforts for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Notably, economists are essential in shaping policies that guide national economic growth.
The chairman called on his profession peers to take this opportunity at the workshop to develop the strategies that will address both the immediate economic challenges that face the country and the long-term goals the country aspires to achieve.
“As economists, we are the custodians of knowledge and the catalysts for positive change. The road ahead may be challenging, but with effective economic planning, resource mobilization, and innovative policy formulation, we can help Kenya achieve lasting prosperity,” he said.
The chairman reiterated that the government has worked diligently to improve the business environment, reduce the fiscal deficit and promote investments in infrastructure.
But to continue along this path, the economists must support and inform the planning processes with evidence-based strategies, forward-thinking economic models and effective resource management.
“Under the direction of the government, we have made significant strides in fostering a favorable business environment and strengthening public-private partnerships to drive forward development. Government initiatives have improved the business environment and strengthened public-private partnership,” he said.
Wafula added that the government’s leadership in managing the economy is commendable, but it is the collective responsibility the economists to ensure that the policies they craft together are actionable, effective, and sustainable.
The workshop discussions will focus on budgeting, resource mobilization, and economic planning, as well as the importance of evidence-based policy-making for effective resource allocation and sustainable development.
Wafula was emphatic that economists must provide data-driven insights to inform government decision-making. The workshop aims to enhance technical skills in project costing, revenue forecasting and economic modeling.
Key focus areas will be program, project and activity costing with the aim of improving government funds allocation efficiency and revenue forecasting, aimed at supporting government strategies in revenue collection, as well as economic modeling in anticipation of future trends and aid policymakers.
He observed that Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are vital in closing infrastructure gaps, driving innovation and fostering development, thus economists must actively contribute to crafting effective, sustainable, and actionable policies to support this partnership.
He also encouraged the participants to think innovatively and support the government in achieving economic goals.
The Economists Society of Kenya (ESK) is a professional body that aims to advance economists’ role in planning, budgeting, policy development, research and analysis with view to influencing the county, national and regional development to ensure that the country is on a sound path economically.
The Society was officially registered in 2015 as a non-political professional body.
By Mabel Keya – Shikuku
