On Friday, 16th March, 2018 School of Economics, Kenyatta University in collaboration with Moi University, Laikipia University, Strathmore University and Mt Kenya University held students National Economic Symposium .The theme of the symposium was “The Role of Youth, Private and Public Sector in Reducing Unemployment and Enhancing Economic Growth in Kenya”. The event was facilitated by Kenyatta University Economics Students Association (KUESA), School of Economics.
The National Economic Symposium was based on research on market gaps with key objectives of being the advent solver of some key macro-economic challenges facing the Kenyan economy such as unemployment and enhancing economic growth.
This year (2018) marked the inaugural competition with five (5) teams representing five (5) universities. The Teams were given ten (10) minutes to present their findings and recommendations and ten (10) minutes for question and answer session.
Prof.Nelson.H.W. Wawire, Dean School of Economics in his welcome remarks highlighted the School of Economics profile and reiterated that the Symposiums is a good opportunity for students to share knowledge as well as platform for students to interact with the corporate world.
The following judges facilitated the symposium; Mr. Riro Jeremy (Managing Partner, Fie Consult), Dr. George Kosimbei (Director, Chandaria Business Incubation & Innovation Centre), Mr. Chanzu Elli (Senior Research Analyst, Sagaci Research), Mr. Joel (Busara Centre for Behavioural Economics) and Ms Elizabeth Kanini (Registrar Oshwal College).
The guests who graced the event were; Ms Veronica Okoth (Chief Guest), Director Economic Pillar Vision 2030, Mr. Mureithi Loyford officer (Ministry of ICT and Innovation) , Mr. Ravi Shah (Managing Partner Greener Pastures), Mr. Jed Ondiko (UNISCOO) Mr. Lapaire Jerome and Mr. Wasike Musa (Lapaire Glasses).
The symposium was sponsored by the School of Economics, Kenyatta University, Fie Consult, Oshwal College, Leyworld Staffing and McKinsey & Company. The sponsors and the guests gave their speeches and emphasized that students should focus their research in addressing the macro economic challenges facing the Kenyan economy.
Mr. Riro, Chief Judge summarized the judges remarks and announced the results. Moi University took position one (1) while runners was Kenyatta University. Strathmore University, Laikipia University and Mt. Kenya University followed in that order.

Dr. Gachanja from the School of Economics , Kenyatta University concluded by thanking Kenyatta University management, School of Economics, guests, sponsors, organizing committee and all participating universities for making the Symposium a success.
The organizing committee comprised of; Mr. Njaramba Geoffrey (Chairman KUESA), Mr. Angote Ian , Mr. Emmanuel Akaka , Mr. Ndegwa Duncan, Ms. Ominde Valary , Ms. Anita Wambui and Ms. Sian Mary Odhiambo.
The 2nd half of the event was graced by Mr. Kenneth Karanja, Logistics Officer National Intelligence Service and Mr. Irungu William, an Economist and key partner to Chandaria BIIC. Mr. Irungu led the student audience through an interactive session in which he shared his journey from Kenyatta University to being a renowned economist.

The event was well attended, attracting a student population of over eight hundred and fifty (850), teaching and non-teaching staff members across the universities.