United Asian Network (UAN) convened its Leadership Summit 2.0 at the Swaminarayan Temple, Forest Road, uniting leaders to strengthen Kenyan Asian engagement and craft frameworks for economic growth and social development.
Among the event’s highlights were appearances by the East African community’s top corporate and public sector leaders. The Chief Guest was Mr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC, and the keynote was delivered by Mr. Jas Bedi, chairperson of Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA).
The second summit built on the foundation of its first one in 2024, and this time it moved beyond mere discussions to demonstrate concrete strategies for economic repositioning, national engagement, and youth leadership.
The agenda was packed with three main topics: National Engagement, which focused on fostering national unity and collective nation-building.
Economic Connector explored ways to reposition enterprises within Kenya’s changing economic landscape. Social & Youth looked at the change of Kenyan Asian leadership and their contributions.
A prominent panel on national engagement “Kenya’s Strength is Diversity,” discussed with Mr. Andrew Musangi, Board Chairman of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), and Ms. Nasim Devji, Group CEO of DTB Group.
In his keynote address, Mr. Jas Bedi remarked “We must transform our business models if we want to effectively prosper in the new world order, changing multilateralism, and the rules-based trading system.”
Safaricom PLC Chief Executive, Peter Ndegwa, remarked, “ The United Asian Network Leadership Summit is an apt warning of the strengths we derive from differences. The Asian community is a big part of Kenya’s fabric, widely known for its enterprise, durability, and succession planning.
However, in addition to commercial successes, there is an integration opportunity and playing a more conspicuous role in shaping our common future.
At Safaricom, the lessons we learn are that a seat at the table is not given, it is earned by putting purpose before profit and making sure that no one is left behind. We can create a future where each community in Kenya prosper through unity and impact together”.”
The Summit was held to discuss the importance of the relationship between Kenya’s Asian and African communities, which is vital for the advancement of the country.