Summit held at Swaminarayan Temple, Forest Road, themed “Strengthening Kenyan Asian Engagement & Unity.”
The United Asian Network (UAN) held its Leadership Summit 2.0 in Nairobi, bringing together influential corporate and public sector leaders to strengthen the role of the Asian community in Kenya’s development.
Building on its inaugural summit in 2024, this year’s event shifted focus from dialogue to practical strategies for national engagement, economic repositioning, and youth leadership.
The Chief Guest was Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC, while the keynote address was delivered by Jas Bedi, chairperson of KEPSA and KEPROBA.
The agenda was structured around three tracks: National Engagement – unity and collective nation-building. Economic Connector – repositioning businesses in Kenya’s changing economy. Social & Youth – supporting emerging leadership and cultural integration.
A highlight was the “Kenya’s Strength is Diversity” panel, featuring Andrew Musangi, CBK Board Chairman, and Zarak Khan, Chairman of Pesawise East Africa & Winfield Africa Ltd.
In his keynote, Jas Bedi stressed the need for adaptability:
“We need to reshape our business models to effectively thrive in the new changing world order, changing multilateralism and the rules-based trading system.”
Peter Ndegwa emphasised inclusion and shared purpose:
“The United Asian Network Leadership Summit is a timely reminder of the strength we gain from diversity… Beyond commercial success lies an opportunity to deepen integration and play an even more visible role in shaping our shared destiny.”
The summit came at a critical time when relations between Kenya’s Asian and African communities are seen as vital to national progress. Leaders called for unity, purpose-driven leadership, and cross-community collaboration to build a future where all Kenyans thrive.
