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66th FKE Annual General Meeting: Employers Chart Path Amid Economic Shifts
Gerald Kombo
May 28, 2025
The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) today held its 66th Annual General Meeting (AGM) under the theme “Building Thriving Businesses in a Shifting Environment”, drawing together business leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders to reflect on past milestones and explore pathways for resilient enterprise growth.
The AGM was officially convened by Dr. Gilda Odera, National President of FKE, who chaired the formal business proceedings. Members received and adopted the 2024 Annual Report, the audited financial statements, and appointed new Board Members and external auditors.
Key highlights from the session included:
A comprehensive President’s Report on strategic initiatives and policy engagements.
An insightful financial review showing organizational resilience despite global and national economic headwinds.
Board elections and expressions of commitment from newly appointed members.
Restoring Trust and Stability in Kenya’s Labour Market: A Call for Inclusive Engagement
Press Statement by Dr. Gilda Odera, National President, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE)
Delivering her official statement at the 66th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), Dr. Gilda Odera, National President, addressed the critical need to rebuild trust in Kenya’s institutional and regulatory frameworks amidst growing economic and labor challenges.
Dr. Odera pointed to a troubling regional investment trend, where neighboring countries like Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania are increasingly becoming more attractive destinations for high-net-worth individuals. She emphasized that Kenya must not lose its competitive edge in the region.
“We’re seeing concerning reports from Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania as more expansive destinations for high-net-worth individuals. Kenya has always been at the core—and we must remain there.”
— Dr. Gilda Odera, National President, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE)
She noted how wage-related costs, such as the Housing Levy (1.5%) and the proposed 2.5% Social Health Insurance deductions, are creating strain for both businesses and employees, making long-term business planning difficult.
“The job market has been massively affected by rising labor costs… policy uncertainty and unregulated changes have made long-term business planning nearly impossible.”
— Dr. Gilda Odera, National President, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE)
Most strikingly, Dr. Odera warned about the eroding trust in public institutions, calling it a significant threat to national economic stability. She stressed that restoring this trust requires open, inclusive, and respectful engagement among all stakeholders.
“The erosion of trust in government institutions has brought a significant risk to economic stability… We call on all social partners to uphold the principles of trust, transparency, and mutual respect.”
— Dr. Gilda Odera, National President, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE)
Dr. Odera reaffirmed FKE’s support for industrial harmony and legal clarity, particularly regarding Kenya’s ratification of ILO Conventions C190 (violence and harassment in the workplace) and C189 (domestic workers). However, she emphasized that ratification must follow legal due process and be anchored in Kenya’s national realities.
“We support the ratification of ILO Conventions C189 and C190—but this must be done through a guided process, in full compliance with ILO principles and our national context.”
— Dr. Gilda Odera, National President, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE)
She concluded by calling on Kenya’s tripartite stakeholders—government, employers, and workers—to recommit to inclusive collaboration and to build a labor market that is fair, trusted, and future-ready.
Executive Director’s Remarks: Alarming Labour Trends Shared
Ms. Jacqueline Mugo, EBS, Executive Director and CEO of FKE, in her press briefing, painted a sobering picture of the employment landscape:
We are seeing a worrying trend. Despite the recorded private sector growth, employment creation continues to decline. Only 3.4 million individuals are employed in the modern sector. Of these, 1,175,500 are either self-employed or unpaid family workers, earning significantly less and facing precarious working conditions.
Citing the latest Private Sector Economic Survey, she noted that:
Total wage bill rose to KES 32.8 billion in April 2025.
This reflects an increase in operational costs for businesses, but not necessarily a proportional increase in employment.
The informal sector remains dominant, but unprotected.
Ms. Mugo called for urgent interventions, particularly from the Ministry of Labour, to address job losses and support sustainable business environments:
We cannot allow job erosion to persist, especially in sectors already under pressure. We must work together to restore confidence, increase client support, and protect jobs.
She also reiterated FKE’s commitment to working with government and research councils to ensure that evidence-based decisions guide labor and business reforms in Kenya.
Open Discussion, Appreciation, and Closure
An open discussion session allowed members to voice concerns, raise proposals, and engage with leadership. The event closed with a vote of thanks by Mr. Laurence Okelo,
Vote of Thanks by Mr. Lawrence Okelo
Second National Deputy President, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE)
66th Annual General Meeting | 28th May 2025 | Serena Hotel, Nairobi
It is my pleasant duty to give the vote of thanks at the end of our formal AGM session.
On behalf of the Federation of Kenya Employers, I would like to thank our Chief Guest, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, for finding time to be with us this afternoon, despite his very tight schedule. We are truly honored and humbled by your presence, Sir.
I would also like to thank Dr. Onyonka in absentia, as well as the Labour Commissioner Hellen Apiyo and all other invited guests who have honored our invitation and joined us today.
Let me also take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you, our members, for taking time off your busy schedules to attend this important AGM. Your presence and participation underscore your unwavering support and commitment to the Federation. Your contributions—both material and otherwise—are deeply appreciated.
Allow me also to thank my colleagues on the FKE Management Board for the support and guidance they have provided in the oversight of the Federation’s affairs. I would particularly like to acknowledge the retiring Board members, who have served with great dedication and commitment. We wish you the very best in your future endeavors and hope that you will continue to offer your valuable insights and support to the Federation even after your tenure on the Board.
A special word of thanks goes to our Regional Presidents—from the Coast, Western, and Rift Valley regions—for their steadfast leadership in their respective regions. Your service and commitment to advancing the interests of our members in your areas, despite the many challenges, is greatly appreciated.
I would also like to recognize, in absentia, our Executive Director and CEO, Ms. Jacqueline Mugo, EBS, for her exemplary leadership and representation of the Federation—locally, regionally, and internationally. Her wealth of experience and dedication continue to be a great asset to the Federation.
Finally, I extend heartfelt thanks to the members of the FKE Secretariat, led by the acting leadership and the heads of departments, for working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of this AGM. I am aware that they have had many late nights preparing for today and balancing other critical activities of the Federation.
A big thank you as well to Serena Hotel for being a gracious host and providing us with such a serene and fitting environment for our meeting.
With those few remarks, thank you all once again for coming. We look forward to your continued membership, participation, and engagement with the Federation.