By YOANA KIMWELE
Commissioner Jerusah Mwathime has underscored the critical role of peace, unity and youth empowerment in driving economic transformation, saying sustainable business growth can only thrive in a stable and cohesive society. She made the remarks while coordinating and hosting the Kamba Business Connect Experience, a forum that brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, business representatives and young people to promote enterprise development, networking and investment opportunities.
The event was graced by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni Muriuki, CBS, as the Chief Guest, alongside Commission on Revenue Allocation Commissioner Benedict Muasya Mutiso. The Jamii Imara Mashinani Initiative also participated in the forum, reinforcing the importance of community-based development, peacebuilding and inclusive economic empowerment across the country.
A high-powered panel discussion, moderated by renowned media personality Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki, OGW, featured Dr. Moses Banda from the Executive Office of the President, NCIC Commission Secretary and CEO Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti, Tourism Fund Director Patrick Muthengi, KEMRI Board Director Dr. Damaris Maweu, TVET-CDACC Council Member and Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations CEO Nyamai Wambua, HSC. The panel also included private sector leaders Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, Norah Muendo and Simon Kabu.
The panelists explored practical strategies for expanding businesses, highlighting enterprise registration and licensing, access to public institutions, available government opportunities and the legal and policy framework guiding business operations. Entrepreneurs were also encouraged to build strategic partnerships and strengthen networks capable of transforming innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.
In her address, Commissioner Mwathime emphasized that young people make up the largest segment of Kenya’s population and must remain at the centre of peacebuilding, national cohesion and economic transformation. She urged the youth to embrace dialogue, responsible leadership and productive enterprise, noting that lasting peace begins with individual choices, including the language people use, the content they share and the way they engage with those holding different opinions.
She stressed that no economy can prosper in an environment marked by conflict and division, adding that young people become powerful agents of national transformation when they choose enterprise over conflict, responsibility over incitement and unity over division. According to the Commissioner, peace and social cohesion remain essential pillars for attracting investment, creating jobs and unlocking economic opportunities.
Commissioner Mwathime commended Organising Committee Chairperson Paul Mwai for his leadership in delivering a successful forum and congratulated the organizing team, including Joan Mutheu, Petero Msanii, Moz Media KE and Kims Media, for creating a platform that successfully connected businesses, investors, professionals, public institutions and community initiatives in support of inclusive economic growth and national development.
