Accountants urged to lead hustler economic agenda

The Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Wycliffe Oparanya has challenged the accountants to ramp up efforts in growing the country’s economy.
Speaking at the Conference held in Sarova Hotel, Mombasa, Oparanya said that his docket need focused people to ensure provision of services to the citizens.
The five-day seminar, themed “Beyond the Profession: Accountants in all Spheres of the Economy”, brought together hundreds of professionals, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore the evolving role of accountants in shaping Kenya’s future.
In his keynote address, the Cs praised ICPAK for its continued leadership and relevance, noting that the profession must now go “beyond the boardroom” to influence broader economic and social development.
“This is not just a relevant conversation. It is a necessary call to action,” Oparanya said. “Accountants are no longer just record-keepers. They are trusted advisors and critical enablers of progress in every sector.”
He highlighted the changing landscape of the accounting profession, noting the mounting pressures from digital transformation, ESG reporting standards, and rising public expectations for transparency.
“Over the past five days, you have deeply reflected on some of the toughest questions confronting our profession, economy, and country,” he said. “Yet amid these challenges, you have also identified opportunities to evolve, to lead, and to build resilience.”
Oparanya emphasized the crucial role accountants play in strengthening governance within cooperative societies, enhancing MSME growth, and driving sustainable financial inclusion.
“At the grassroots level, accountants ensure the transparent and accountable management of public resources,” he noted. “They are key drivers of sustainable financial inclusion, ensuring millions of Kenyans access financial systems that can improve their livelihoods.”
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with ICPAK, the Cooperative boss, announced plans to strengthen collaboration in several key areas: professionalizing leadership in SACCOs, enhancing financial literacy for MSMEs, and expanding ethical leadership at the community level.
“We aim to work together on joint capacity-building initiatives,” he said. “This includes developing simplified financial reporting tools and expanding business advisory services for MSMEs.”
He also called on accountants to embrace their leadership role in implementing government flagship initiatives such as the Financial Inclusion Fund (Hustler Fund), the Cooperative Management Information System (CMIS), and the MSME Credit Guarantee Scheme.
“These programs depend on professional excellence, and your expertise will be invaluable to their success,” Oparanya stated.
As the seminar came to a close, he urged participants to return to their workplaces with a renewed sense of purpose and vision.
“Be bold in your thinking, expansive in your vision, and courageous in your leadership,” he encouraged. “Let this not be the end of a conversation, but the beginning of deeper partnerships and lasting impact.”
The event capped a week of intense engagement among Kenya’s accounting professionals, focused on responding to the changing demands of the economy and society. For ICPAK and its members, the message was clear: the future belongs to accountants who lead not just with numbers, but with purpose.
“By upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency, the profession can restore trust in institutions and set a strong foundation for ethical governance,” Oparanya asserted.