Economists in the country are set to hold a capacity-building workshop seeking to address both immediate and long-term challenges facing the economy.

The workshop that will bring together key stakeholders, government representatives and economic experts is scheduled to be opened by Principal Secretary for State Department for Economic Planning James Muhati between today and March 14, 2025 in Naivasha.

Under the theme of Building Core Competencies in Economic Planning and Management, the forum seeks to highlight the importance of equipping economists with the technical skills required to support the government’s economic transformation efforts.

Dr Dunston Ulwodi, the chairman of the Economists Society of Kenya said the workshop will address both immediate and long-term challenges facing Kenya’s economy while providing a platform for economists to enhance their abilities in policy formulation and economic planning,” noted

“As Kenya continues to navigate both global economic turbulence and domestic challenges such as fiscal deficits, unemployment and wealth inequality there is need for sound economic strategies,” he stated.

Ulwodi said the government’s emphasis on fiscal discipline, structural reforms and economic diversification presents an opportunity for economists to contribute to shaping policies that promote long-term stability and growth. “The workshop will cover a range of essential topics, including budgeting, resource mobilisation, economic modelling, revenue forecasting, and managing public-private partnerships (PPPs),” he added.

“These discussions aim to empower economists with the tools needed to support the government in allocating resources efficiently and driving development across both national and county levels,” the economists’ chair explained.

Practical solutions

Ulwodi said by focusing on practical solutions, the workshop seeks to transform economists from passive observers into active contributors to policy-making processes.  “Their expertise will be key to creating resilient economic frameworks that can withstand global uncertainties and drive Kenya toward sustainable growth,” he added.

Ulwodi stated that the workshop aligns with the government’s priorities, such as infrastructure development, private sector growth and human capital investment. “These efforts are expected to yield positive results and economists will play a central role in ensuring the effectiveness of these initiatives through evidence-based policy recommendations,” he assured.