Work at the end of 2022 and into 2023

The end of 2022 became quite hectic, even without too many overseas business trips (though there was one planned that was cancelled last minute). Finally the Ministers and Deputy Ministers were selected, vetted and sworn in; and finally Parliament managed to sort out its various positions and Committees. So by November a lot was happening and needed to happen before the end of the year.

We had a few big events that all fell within a couple of weeks, and on the whole went very well, which was a relief. There were also some smaller ones, including a visit to the Western-most Town in Kenya in Busia County, on Lake Victoria opposite Uganda, for the Isambo Carnival. It is always nice to see new places, especially in the countryside and when there are some cultural activities taking place. In this case, aside from watching the boat racing and the hill running, there was also a more typical session of speeches. 

Technology has been a key theme of the new government, with the first public holiday themed around technology and innovation, and a lot of talk in that space, which is great. Another key theme has been the cost of living issues that have affected most of the World, but particularly many developing countries. Kenya may not have been as badly hit as other places, but the cost of some basic commodities, even those produced locally, has gone up, and the high interest rates are affecting the government's finances. The prices of some began to decline towards the end of the year, or at least stop increasing much; this might only be a temporary respite as some predictions are for worse in 2023 with China's economy growing again after it opens up, and the war in Ukraine continuing.

The government has begun to make a lot of personnel changes, as is expected, and as is its right. There have been some reforms especially around the judicial and policing systems. It has also talked a lot about action and is raising expectations, maybe beyond what it can realistically achieve, with the tough fiscal environment and external economic (and environmental, the drought has had a real impact) situation. The highly anticipated fund to support entrepreneurs became a 14-day overdraft facility, which may still be of some use (though there were other similar products available at not so dissimilar interest rates), but is not grants, nor is it significant loans that can be used for business creation. However, amongst the disappointed masses, the government has promised such products will come in the near future.

A concrete plan is being created, building on the original manifesto of the Party that won, so we will have to see what that looks like. The 2023-2024 government budget process is about to begin in earnest which will indicate where the priorities lie and give the new government a chance to really begin to implement their agenda (until now they are operating mostly on a budget put together by the previous government).

All of this does mean a lot of opportunities, a lot of work, and a lot of excitement as we begin 2023.