While talking to Members of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) who have urged the government to slowly start partially re-opening the economy to preserve the economy and support health response, Dr. Fred Matiang’i has revealed the plans the government is putting in place to ease restriction measures and kickstart the economy.
KEPSA Chief Executive Carole Karuga who was speaking during a virtual meeting with the government through the office of the National Development Implementation and Communication Cabinet Committee (NDICCC), chaired by Dr. Fred Matiang’i, reiterated that COVID-19 is the new reality and new ways of living with the pandemic while ensuring there is continued economic activity in the country should be introduced.Â
“Coronavirus is the new global reality. We are working hard to protect our people and curb the spread whilst, getting the economy on a recovery path through ensuring both formal and informal sectors resume to normalcy,” She stated. “The Government and the private sector can develop a practical recovery strategy that balances health, economic, and societal needs respectively.”
 Dr. Matiang’i also said that the public and private sectors should start exploring ways to go back to normal business while the pandemic persists.
“This is a shared responsibility and a comprehensive recovery plan will be rolled out, which includes the eight-plan stimulus package recently announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta, as well as the Private Sector’s interventions that are geared towards keeping our economy going,” Dr. Matiang’i said.Â
“All the proposals presented by KEPSA will be consolidated into a white paper of private sector protocols as the government considers easing containment measures,” Dr. Matiang’i added. “Where there are gaps, it is imperative to address them now as the government is working on the 2020/2021 budget that will incorporate the CRP.”
The CS also confirmed that the National Treasury has handed over Sh10 billion to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for the VAT Refund, however, he warned about people calling for a rush in the opening saying that other economies have recently re-opened and have witnessed a spike in infection rates.
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