Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has encouraged the private sector to play an active part in the implementation of the new constitution.

Mr. Musyoka said the private sector can help immensely in civic education to enable Kenyans understand the new supreme law and the enabling legislation which will be passed in parliament in order to abide by them.

He also called on the private sector to give their input in the drafting of the 49 pieces of legislations that will soon come before parliament for debate and enactment.

Mr. Musyoka proposed greater involvement by the private sector in public affairs and the affairs of government through strengthening of the private- public sector partnership.

The Vice President was speaking in at Serena Hotel, Nairobi during the launch of the Vice President and Private Sector round table (Ukumbi) which is aimed at attaining regular consultations between office of the Vice President and Leader of Government Business in parliament and private sector.

Mr. Musyoka noted that it was important for the private sector to partner with the public sector in fast-tracking the country’s development and industrialization agenda under the new constitutional dispensation.

Key members of KEPSA led by Dr.Manu Chandaria and General Motors Managing Director William Lay challenged the government to implement the new constitution as a matter of agency adding that the new constitution will create a more enabling environment for business and investment.

The VP challenged the private sector to play a leading role in the introduction of a 24-hour economy in order to create employment and wealth.

“I have said many a time that we need to move to a 24-hour economy.   However, the realization of this vision depends on the full support and participation of the private sector”, he noted, adding that the government was ready to play its part.

He said the government will continue to provide an enabling environment for business, and added that it expected the private to extend the accruing benefits to wananchi

“The public will expect jobs, better wages, reasonable prices for goods and services, support to the national treasury, and thus  contributing to provision of better services for the benefit of wananchi as well as for the benefit of the private sector itself”, he observed.

He said the new constitution has brought a new beginning to Kenya and urged Kenyans to fight corruption in all sectors.

The CEO KEPSA Mrs. Carole Kariuki called on the government to consider including KEPSA in various commissions to enable it give their input.

She also urged parliament to give KEPSA bills brought to Parliament attention citing the micro enterprise bill which has taken the alliance 10 years to prepare.

William Lay who is the KEPSA Governor, said the alliance needs a strong Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enable it partner with the government in economic sphere.

He called on the members of the industry to revitalize it if they have to be relevant in the business circles.

The function was also attended by Directors from various companies.

Keesi/Khaduli/VPPS