Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has challenged professionals to use their expertise to promote economic diversification, strengthen institutions and create sustainable opportunities that will drive Kenya’s long-term development.
Speaking during the Wareng Powerhouse 8th Anniversary Leadership Dinner in Eldoret, held under the theme “Driving Economic Diversification for Resilience, Global Competitiveness and Shared Prosperity,” Koskei said lasting national development depends on citizens working together to build institutions that create opportunities and outlive individual interests.
The HOPS said meaningful progress is achieved when communities unite around a common purpose, pool their resources and invest in initiatives that benefit future generations.
He noted that successful institutions are built on sustained commitment, trust and a shared vision rather than the circumstances of their beginnings.
“Institutions are rarely defined by where they begin. They are defined by what their members choose to build together over time,” he said.
Koskei noted that professional networks can play an important role in fostering collaboration, mentorship and community development, urging members to translate their collective knowledge and experience into practical initiatives that create jobs, expand opportunities and improve livelihoods.
He encouraged professionals to establish investment vehicles, strengthen cooperative ventures and support education and mentorship programmes that empower young people. “The greatest limitation any community faces is rarely a shortage of talent. It is the failure to organise that talent around a common purpose,” he observed.
Koskei said the current generation has a responsibility to secure Kenya’s economic future by creating enterprises, strengthening institutions and complementing government efforts to accelerate development.
He also urged professionals to uphold integrity, accountability and respectful engagement while mentoring young people to prepare the next generation of leaders.
“No society becomes stronger by celebrating its accomplished men and women while neglecting those who will succeed them,” he said.
Koskei further challenged professionals in fields such as technology, finance, healthcare, engineering and entrepreneurship to use their expertise to support enterprise development and regional economic growth.
He emphasized that global markets reward quality, innovation and competitiveness, urging businesses and producers to adopt high standards in production and service delivery.
The HOPS also called for a mindset that embraces innovation, opportunity and long-term investment, saying such an approach is essential for sustainable economic transformation.
He said the dinner’s theme underscored the need to expand opportunities, support enterprise and ensure development reaches all parts of the country in order to build a resilient and prosperous economy.
Koskei also encouraged professionals to remain connected to the communities they serve by applying their knowledge and experience to address local challenges and promote inclusive development.
On economic diversification, Koskei called on communities in the North Rift to move beyond the production of raw agricultural commodities by investing in value addition, processing, branding and innovation to increase competitiveness in regional and international markets.
He identified horticulture, coffee, agro-processing, technology and professional services as sectors with significant potential to create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
“Our region must shift from being producers to becoming value creators. Prosperity will come when we process, package and brand our products for competitive international markets,” he said.
Among those present were Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Principal Secretaries Dr. Chris Kiptoo (National Treasury), Prof. Julius Bitok (Tourism), Joel Arumonyang (Public Works) and Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services).
Others were Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, Members of Parliament CPA Julius Rutto (Kesses) and David Kiplagat (Soy), Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar, heads of state corporations and government agencies, as well as other national and regional leaders and professionals
By Fredrick Maritim
