Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) has elected Dr. Gilda Odera as the new national President for two years, making her the first woman to be elected to hold the position in 65 years.
She succeeds Dr. Habil Olaka, who has served as FKE boss for the last four years.
The change of guard comes as FKE rolled out a four-year strategic plan to champion the rights of employers.
FKE’s 2023 annual report indicates that the cost of doing business remains extremely high in the country, exacerbated by the Finance Act 2023, the depreciation of the shilling, and the high cost of capital.
FKE aims to form a formidable force that can influence policy and regulatory environments to improve the business landscape.
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“Now the biggest task will be to implement it. That is always where the rubber meets the rod; implementing a strategic plan in this economy,” Dr Odera said after the elections.
For her part, FKE CEO Jacqueline Mugo said the body aims to influence labor and socio-economic policy to create a conducive business environment for employers in Kenya.
This is at a time when Finance Bill 2024 has caused jitters among the business community.
“In the period under review, investor confidence is diminished evidenced by significant cash-capital outflows. This trend was attributed to a negative perception of emerging and frontier markets, the high cost of doing business and the depreciating value of the Kenyan shilling. Consequently, Kenyan top markets faced severe setbacks becoming reportedly one of the worst performing globally,” outgoing FKE President Dr. Olaka stated.
Elected alongside Dr. Odera are two Vice Presidents and three board members.
