European Parliamentarians with Africa

National Workshop on the Role of Parliamentarians in Private Sector Development, Nairobi, Kenya, May 2009

In partnership with the Parliament of Kenya, AWEPA plans to organise a parliamentary workshop on the Role of Parliamentarians in Private Sector Development, Agriculture Development and Climate Change Response in May 2009 in Nairobi. This is a follow-up conference to the Regional conferences on Private Sector Development, Agriculture and Poverty Reduction organised in 2007. The objective is to enhance the role of parliaments and parliamentarians in improving the business and investment environment in Kenya, improving agricultural development, and creating awareness of the effects of climate change on PSD and food security.

This effort is a response to MDG 8, which calls for a global partnership for development, supportive of business ideas which are both commercially viable and enhance growth, wealth and job creation.  In addition, the workshop seeks to support parliamentarians' role in attaining MDG numbers 7 and 1, which aim to ensure environmental sustainability" and "eradicate extreme poverty and hunger" respectively.

Parliaments, through their legislative oversight and representation functions, serve as key institutions for safe-guarding a socio-political environment underpinned by principles of inclusiveness and accountability.  By supporting legislation and solid legal frameworks, parliaments play a central role in maintaining democratic governance structures. In turn, parliaments form crucial cornerstones for both stimulating economic growth and ensuring that such growth benefits the poorest - a fundamental requirement in poverty reduction strategies.

 Terms of Reference

Objectives:

• Discuss the effects of Climate Change on Private Sector Development and Food security;
• Consolidate the role of MPs in creating conducive environments for Private Sector Development, agricultural development and climate change response;
• Discuss the need for legislative and policy frameworks for creating a conducive business environment;
• Create awareness of the current status of the EA Common market negotiations and the role of Parliamentarians in this process;
• Investigate status of ad-hoc committees formed during "Unfinished Business" seminar;
• Review  the Code of Conduct developed during "Unfinished Business" seminar;
• Discuss the role of gender and access to micro credit and PSD;
• Develop an action plan for the way forward.

Target Group:

Parliamentarians and Private Sector actors

Partner Organisations:

East Africa Business Council
KEPSDA