KIPPRA successfully hosted its 9th Annual Regional Conference in Mombasa from May 20–22, 2026, under the theme “Strengthening Value Chains for Inclusive Growth in Kenya.” The three-day conference brought together policymakers, researchers, development partners, private sector actors, academia and other stakeholders to explore strategies for strengthening value chains as a pathway to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The conference was officially opened by Principal Secretary for Children Welfare Services CPA Carren Ageng’o, in the presence of Principal Secretary for Economic Planning Dr Bonface Makokha, Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Mr Fikirini Jacobs, KIPPRA Board Chairperson Prof. Paul Wachana, KIPPRA Executive Director Dr Eldah Onsomu, Board Members and other distinguished guests. During the opening ceremony, two reports—Children First: Smarter Budgets, Fairer Futures – Kenya County Budget Briefs (FY2019–FY2023) and Climate Finance: Its Implications for Children in Kenya—were launched, underscoring the importance of child-responsive budgeting and climate-sensitive development.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in parallel sessions covering human capital development, value chain financing, carbon markets and climate finance, value addition, market access, and strategies for increasing the participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities and marginalized communities in value chains. The discussions generated practical, evidence-based recommendations aimed at enhancing productivity, competitiveness and resilience while supporting inclusive economic transformation.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to evidence-informed policymaking, strategic partnerships and regional collaboration. KIPPRA expressed its appreciation to all speakers, panelists, partners and participants whose contributions enriched the discussions and reaffirmed that the recommendations from the conference will continue to inform policy dialogue and development planning in Kenya and the region.
