Keli Kiilu, highly-regarded lobbyist and former BAT PR director, dies

REST IN PEACE

It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of KEPSA Trustee and Advisor, and once a KEPSA Director, Mr Keli Kiili.

Mr Kiilu was one of KEPSA’s longest serving leaders in different capacities.

He will fondly be remembered by his business counterparts and friends as an exemplary leader who was deeply passionate about Kenya.

He was a transformational leader and he played a big role in creating an environment for business both in Kenya and the region as well as growth of SMEs.

Rest in peace Keli, you were a friend to all and a mentor to many!

KEPSA STATEMENT

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President Uhuru Kenyatta condoles with family of KEPSA trustee and adviser Keli Kiilu

Nairobi, 13th June 2020, (PSCU) — President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of comfort and encouragement to the family, relatives and friends of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) trustee and adviser Mr. Keli Kiilu who passed on yesterday.

In his message of condolence, President Kenyatta described Mr Kiilu as a transformative leader whose ideas contributed greatly to the improvement of business environment and growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya.

“Mr Keli Kiilu was a true patriot who loved his country. He was passionate about Kenya and gave all his skills and ideas to grow our economy and contributed immensely to the vision of Kenya attaining middle income status,” the President wrote.

The Head of State pointed out that the late Kiilu was a strong champion of the East African Community and helped coordinate the private sector in the region to utilize the opportunities presented by integration to grow the region’s economy.

“He was a transformational leader who played a crucial role in creating an environment for growth of businesses in Kenya and the East African region.

“Mr. Kiilu was an architect and strong pillar of the East African Business Council through which he ensured Private Sector Associations and Corporates played a key role in driving the EAC integration process through trade and investment,” the President recalled.

He said, Mr Kiilu will be remembered for wooing investors to invest in Kenya and the region.

“The late Kiilu was very instrumental in creating commercial linkages between Kenya and most developing countries. He was one of the Kenyan brains behind the formation of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with an intention of boosting intra-African trade.

“We will forever cherish his wise leadership in positioning the SMEs sector as an engine of economic growth,” the President eulogised.

President Kenyatta prayed to God to give the family of the late Kiilu the strength and fortitude to deal with the loss especially at this difficult time of mourning.

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