Kenya will early next month host the first-ever Business Ecosystems Summit (BES) in Kisumu.

This is in line with ongoing key government reforms aimed at stimulating business growth across the country, bolstering economic independence and prosperity.

Organized by IMC People Ltd in partnership with the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), the summit is aimed at unlocking the potential of collaborative networks and effectively navigating the dynamic shifts within various business landscapes.

Speaking about the upcoming summit, LREB chairperson Governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o said Kisumu is ready and honored to host the summit.

“This summit is like no other, it serves as a catalyst for fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and creating harmonious collaborations,’’ Nyong’o said.

He added it will explore groundbreaking strategies, embrace emerging technologies, and forge strategic partnerships to unlock business potential.

The summit aims to provide mechanisms for organizations to leverage technology, excel in research and business competence, and compete effectively in the marketplace. This is in addition to driving new collaborations that press social and environmental challenges and foster sustainable practices and responsible business models.

In his address, LREB CEO Victor Nyagaya emphasized the paramount importance of the summit in propelling innovation and fostering substantial growth.

“Acting as a key partner, LREB is thrilled to actively participate in this transformative expedition and aid in the establishment of collaborative ecosystems,’’ he said.  

LREB seeks within its mandate to enhance the socio-economic transformation of the bloc through leveraging on the economies of scale in its ecosystem and implementing through collaboration with state and non-state actors the empowerment and participation of its over 15 million population.

“As a bloc we firmly believe that by embracing disruptive trends and nurturing strategic partnerships, we have the power to unlock a multitude of novel opportunities, resulting in enhanced prosperity and an increase in revenue,’’ he said.

A public-private collaborative approach will take center stage at the summit with LREB chairperson Anyang’ Nyong’o and the governors of the 13 other member counties of LREB, including deputy chairperson H.E Ken Lusaka, who is also Bungoma County Governor gracing the high-level summit.

Giving her remarks ahead of the summit, The IMC People CEO Jeanette Oromo said the summit’s key focus is accelerating business transformation and fostering innovation among diverse stakeholders including government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs.

“In light of the transformative and disruptive trends and the remarkable resilience exhibited during the pandemic, it is becoming increasingly evident that traditional paradigms need re-evaluation,’’ she said.

During the summit, a special focus will be made on fostering business ecosystems that center on shared sectors, missions, goals, and products.

The primary goal is to maximize interactions and leverage each participant’s unique strengths.