On Monday, 25th March 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting His Majesty’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan for a public lecture with Masters students undertaking the Msc. Development Finance Programme, the Master of Public Policy and Management Programme and the Master of Commerce Programme.
The lecture session, centered around the theme “The Role of Financial Regulation in Deepening Continental Economic Integration and Promoting Growth,” provided insights into Kenya’s opportunities and advancements in the youth empowerment, innovation, and environmental sustainability sectors.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Edward Mungai, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning and Development at Strathmore University, emphasized the University’s commitment to equipping students with a holistic understanding of current affairs. “Through initiatives like these lectures, we ensure our students have ample opportunities to engage with industry experts, bridging the gap between theory and practice and preparing them for impactful contributions in their respective fields,” Dr. Mungai noted.
High Commissioner, Neil Wigan began by commending Kenya’s proactive stance in embracing innovation and youth empowerment, echoing His Majesty’s unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at addressing challenges in these critical areas. The science, technology, and innovation agenda received support from King Charles, during his recent visit to Kenya where he visited the Nairobi Garage which is at the forefront of showcasing Kenya’s potential for sustainable development through innovation. The King’s recent visit to Kenya underscored this commitment, further strengthening bilateral ties and fostering collaborative solutions.
The session also delved into the pressing issue of Kenya’s recent grey listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), shedding light on the potential implications for trade, foreign direct investments, and overall economic development. The High Commissioner noted that grey listing, though often seen negatively, is an opportunity for countries like Kenya to improve their financial regulatory standards in line with international norms. Kenya’s proactive engagement demonstrates its commitment to enhancing compliance and attracting global investment.
Speaking to technology, High Commissioner Wigan highlighted technology’s potential to drive economic growth in Kenya and urged Kenyan policy makers to adopt a forward-thinking approach to regulation. He emphasized Kenya’s innovative capacity, citing MPESA as an example of successful technological adoption that transformed financial transactions and boosted economic growth as well as placed Kenya on the global map as a leader in technological advancement and adoption.
“Kenya is poised to leverage its innovation and technology for inclusive growth, and we cannot underscore the critical role that education plays a vital role in empowering future leaders to navigate global finance complexities, ensuring sustained prosperity and partnerships, “High Commissioner Neil Wigan noted.
The Master of Science in Development Finance Programme is designed for practitioners and non-practitioners in the public and private sector looking to transform the development finance space. This Programme aims to deal with the main issues associated with the finance of the public and private sectors in developing and transitional economies. The programme includes an analysis of both the formal and informal financial sectors, policies to promote financial inclusion, clients’ financial service needs, institutional design, and financial reforms. The September 2024 intake for the Programme is ongoing. Learn more here
Article by Winnie Omamo and Juliet Hinga
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Your journey to business excellence starts here. Subscribe today and be at the forefront of innovation and leadership.
