Economic Policy Analysis
An Assessment Study to Review the State of the Negotiations for COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area (FTA)- (EAC) 2014
The objective of this assignment was to review the state of the negotiations for the establishment of a Free Trade Area between the three RECs in regard to the legal and institutional framework; the negotiation work plan, (i.e. negotiating principles and rules of procedure; negotiating format and approach; establishment and operationalization of various technical working groups; status of the Draft FTA Agreement and its annexes; modalities for tariff negotiations and a Monitoring and Evaluation mechanism). The Group defined priority intervention areas for the finalization of the FTA negotiations and established baseline data and indicators for these priority intervention areas.
EAC & EU Interest on Trade Environment and Sustainable Development in the Context of EAC- EU EPA Negotiations (East Africa Community) 2013
The objective of this assignment was to identify the EAC and EU’s interests in opening and protecting their markets and the rationale behind their negotiations on Trade, Environment and Sustainable Development. This included identifying any specific proposal or issues that the East Africa Community’s Partner States have raised in those negotiations and offering recommendations on the position which the EAC Partner States should adopt in negotiating for the comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with a view to ensuring that the trade and environmental goals of the EAC Partner States are mutually supportive. The Group developed a draft EPA legal text on Trade Environment and Sustainable Development
Mid-Term Review of the First Mid-Term Plan 2008-2011 for the Ministry of Planning, National Development and Vision 2030 (2011)
This assignment entails conducting a desk review of key policy documents including Kenya Vision 2030, First Medium Term Plan 2008-2012, MTP sector plans ministries strategic plans, Handbook of National Reporting Indicators, Annual Progress Reports on the implementation of the first medium term plan 2008-2012 of Kenya Vision 2030, public expenditure reviews, ministerial and district annual monitoring and evaluation reports 2009/2010, among others; Undertaking field work/data collection and analysis, evaluating the results achieved against the MTP 2008-2012 objectives and Kenya vision 2030 goals and targets, identifying lessons learnt and providing recommendations for implementing the remaining period of the MTP 2008-2012 and preparation of the second MTP 2013-2017; Examining the adequacy and relevance of the indicators in the national handbook of reporting indicators; and making recommendations for the preparation of the second MTP (2013-2017).
Impact Assessment Study of East African Community Common Market on Rwanda’s Economy (EAC) -MINEAC Rwanda 2011
The ongoing study involves assessing the social, economic and political impact of the EAC Common Market on Rwanda’s economy by estimating short-term benefits and costs and identifying strategic risks and opportunities for Rwanda. The Group as the Lead Consulting Firm in association with International Business Services Solutions Ltd have set out to develop a strategy for Rwanda to guide specific negotiations in order to alleviate risks, maximise benefits and minimise costs from entering the EAC Common Market.
Investment Policy Framework in line with Vision 2030(Increasing Value Addition in Agriculture-Ken Invest 2010
The Group conducted an analysis of the policy framework for investment in the Increasing Value Addition in Agriculture, covering the laws and regulations, and various policy initiatives undertaken, identified impediments to investment in the sector and recommend appropriate reform measures to improve investment in the sector; carried out an assessment of current incentives available and propose a new regime of national, regional, and/or sectoral incentive structure, identified successful models used in other countries, to be used as benchmarks; and liaise with stakeholders in the sector to determine strengths and available opportunities to be exploited.
Investment Policy Framework in line with Vision 2030(Manufacturing sector)- Ken Invest 2010
The Group conducted a sector/subsector situational analysis , conducted an analysis of the policy framework for Investment in the manufacturing sector, identified impediments in the sectors and recommended appropriate reform measures to improve investment in the sectors, provided an assessment of current initiatives available for the purpose of proposing a new regime of national, regional and /or sectoral incentive structure, identified successful models adopted by other countries and investigated structures and reforms adopted, drew up lessons and policy implications for development of the Kenyan manufacturing sector, determined the strengths and available opportunities to be exploited in consultation with stakeholders, identified to what extent the sector engaged with key stakeholders in the economy and identified conflicts, gaps and overlaps.
The Nepad Eastern Africa Sub-Regional Experts Group Workshop (NEPAD 2004)
The Group provided a Consultant who acted as the NEPAD
Eastern Africa Project Development Advisor for the NEPAD Eastern Africa
Secretariat. The role of the advisor was to convene an Expert Group Workshop
on Infrastructure Provision for the Greater Eastern Africa Region to follow
up the recommendations made by the Heads of State and Government Summit
held in Nairobi in October 2003. Workshop participants comprised experts
from Government and Regional Economic Communities. The advisor was tasked
with the responsibility of developing the workshop agenda and work programme,
facilitating the workshop and writing a report on the proceedings of the
workshop as well as making recommendations on the NEPAD Eastern Africa Project
Development Facility.
Kenya Poverty Reduction Project Preparation Mission (AfDB) 1999
The Group was commissioned to assist the African Development
Bank in the preparation of the Kenya Poverty Reduction Project to assist
government efforts to reduce poverty within the framework of the National
Poverty Eradication Plan (NPEP). The key emphasis of the Kenya Poverty Reduction
Project is the provision of basic social services, income and employment
generating opportunities and strengthening the capacity of grassroots and
civil society organisations. In undertaking this assignment, the Group:
i) paid special attention to finding suitable mechanisms to enhance collaboration
between Government and civil society organisations in their efforts to alleviate
poverty in Kenya;
ii) undertook a field visit to a number of selected districts within the
target area to consult with potential beneficiaries and grassroots organisations
in order to identify their priority needs and views over the most appropriate
and transparent delivery framework; and
iii) pursued consultations with UNDP-Kenya, World Bank and other donors
to discuss co-financing arrangements.
Preparation of National Human Development Report for Liberia (UNDP) 1999
Following the devastating impact of the war in Liberia, which has aggravated its long-term development problems, the Group in collaboration with UNDP Monrovia and New York, reviewed the concept of human development framework to enable compilation of the various human development indices. The Group provided a Technical Adviser for the period of one year to assist in serving as an avenue for collecting and analysing up to date data on the state of human development in Liberia and monitoring progress in enhancing it.
Restarting and Sustaining Economic Growth in Africa - Kenya Country Study (USAID) 1998
This project involved approximately 14 months of an Africa-wide research exercise under the theme of Equity and Growth through Economic Research (EAGER). The research studies, whose main contractor was the Harvard Institute for International Development (HIID) examined the macroeconomic management, institutional and productivity implications for faster and sustainable economic growth in Africa. The Group, which- was the sub-contractor, implemented the Kenya section of the studies and helped to organise a conference in January 2000 where many of the research papers were presented. The results of the research was published as “Restarting and Sustaining Economic Growth and Development in Africa; The Case of Kenya. (Contemporary Perspectives on Developing Societies)”, co-edited by Professors M.S. Kimenyi and J.M. Mbaku, and Mr. Ngure Mwaniki. Ashgate Publishing Company, U.S.A., June 2003.
Information Dissemination And Training Consultancy Ministry of Planning and National Development (DFID) 1998
In support of the Deregulation Project (Ministry of Planning and National Development, Kenya), Consultants from the Group met with selected senior decision-makers from the public and the private sector to formulate options to raise the profile of deregulation at the central/national level. A report of the recommendations was submitted to DFID. This project was carried out in association with Bannock Consulting (UK).
Financial Management Study for the Ministry of Finance (SIDA) 1996
Two economists from the Group participated in the review of the financial management processes within the Government of Kenya, including systems, procedures, institutions and human capacity. Recommendations for improvement in the government’s financial management system were identified and a series of action programmes to achieve rapid positive impact were developed for funding by SIDA. In addition, a seminar/workshop was conducted for financial managers in Government Ministries.
Comparative Cost of Production Analysis in East Africa (USAID) 1994/95
The study analysed the costs of production in agriculture and the textile manufacturing industry to determine each country’s comparative advantage in producing these commodities, and whether they can competitively export to regional and world markets. A ranking of each country's performance with respect to each commodity was developed and recommendations made as to how the least competitive countries could reduce their costs and improve their competitiveness.
Kenya Export Competitiveness Study (USAID) 1993/94
The study examined Kenya's export competitiveness vis-à-vis eight other Sub-Saharan African countries. Visits were made to Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa to review the policy, institutional and economic aspects of the export environment. The study was conducted in association with The Services Group of U.S.A.
UNDP National Management Policy Development Project (UNDP) 1992
The Group provided a national adviser/consultant in international trade under a UNDP Project to improve policy analysis and management capacity in the Government of Kenya.
Analysis of Kenya's Trade with PTA countries (KAM) 1990
The Group was contracted to conduct a survey and analysis of Kenyan industrialists exporting to the Preferential Trade Area for Eastern and Southern African States (PTA). As part of this assignment, an analysis of macroeconomic trends, performance, and trade statistics in the PTA member countries was undertaken.
Enabling Environment for Kenya Export Processing Zones (GOK) 1989
This study developed a policy package and institutional framework for the establishment of Kenya’s Export Processing Zones. The study was carried out in association with The Services Group and SRI-International, and was financed by USAID/Kenya.
Study of Export Incentives for Kenyan Industry (KAM) 1989
The study assessed the incentives and policy measures instituted in Kenya for export manufacturers, and made recommendations to KAM for dialogue with the Government on the improvement of the micro-economic and regulatory policy framework. The assignment was financed by USAID/Kenya for KAM.
Brochures for the Investment Promotion Centre of the Ministry of Finance, Kenya (GOK) 1988
The assignment involved the production of statistical information and materials, write-ups, and design of information brochures for Kenya’s Investment Promotion Centre (IPC). The materials were used domestically and abroad to promote investment opportunities in Kenya to local and foreign investors.
Foreign Investment, Technology and Management Contracts in Kenya’s Joint Ventures (UNCTC) 1987
This analysis of joint venture agreements between the Government of Kenya and foreign investors was conducted over an eighteen-month period. The Group provided research support for the Economic and Structural Analysis component of the study. It was carried out for Kenya’s Ministry of Finance and financed by the United Nations Centre for Transnational Corporations.
Priority Areas in African Economic Development (UN ECA) 1987
The Group served as a resource unit for the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) Group of Experts on Priority Areas in African Economic Development. The group deliberated on policy issues relating to the improvement of public administration and management in the region. It comprised of senior level policy-makers including heads of civil service, heads of institutes of research and administration and other experts in Africa.
First Regional Workshop on the Optimal Utilisation of Management Consultants (UN ECA) 1987
The Group authored the initial project and workshop proposals selected by the AAPAM Group of Experts for implementation, and participated in the preparation of programme documents. The Group provided resource persons for the workshops attended by heads of civil service, permanent secretaries, heads of institutes of administration and research in Africa and observers from international organisations, including the World Bank. The workshop was part of a larger project being implemented by the Group, whose objective was to improve the capability and technical competence of management consultants in Africa. Funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through AAPAM.
Policy Implications of Informal Sector Housing Finance (GOK) 1987
The study assessed the sociological, financial, macro-economic and policy implications of the informal sector housing finance system in Kenya. The project was financed by USAID’s REDSO office.
Financial Implications of Civil Servant's Housing (World Bank) 1987
The study assessed and documented the scope of the Government of Kenya's investments and expenditures in civil servant's housing and their financial and policy implications. It was used as an input to the World Bank's task force on housing policy.
Investment Climate Analysis (GOK) 1986
The project reviewed Kenya's investment climate and recommended strategies for improving it. The report was well received by the Government of Kenya, with many of its recommendations being implemented. The Group worked in association with SRI-International.
Tobacco Industry Organisation and Development Strategy (GOU) 1983
The project analysed potential foreign exchange earnings from tobacco and tax revenue from cigarettes. It developed a strategy for restoring the tobacco industry into production both on the farm and in manufacturing, which has been successfully implemented by the Government of Uganda (GOU) in co-operation with BAT.
The Working Party on Government Expenditures (GOK) 1982
Mr. Ngure Mwaniki of the Group worked as a consultant to the Commission set up by His Excellency the President of Kenya to examine broad issues of economic policy and management. The study analysed public enterprise performance, government investments, budgetary issues and specific monetary and fiscal policies.
Non-Bank Financial Institutions (GOK) 1982
The study was carried out for Kenya’s Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, and produced a working document which formed a framework for further study on non-bank financial institutions in Kenya