The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) is a think tank based in Kenya with a mandate to promote informed discourse on key policy issues-both economic and political and to examine and promote feasible policy alternatives in these areas. The IEA provides important research and analytical support to policy makers and implementers drawn from three arms of government- the executive, legislature and the judiciary to limited extent.

The IEA-Kenya’s work is organized around four main programmatic areas through research and analysis in the following areas:

• Public finance management
• Regulation and economic competition policy
• International and regional trade
• Futures methodologies such as scenarios, strategic planning and visioning

The IEA is was formally established 1994 to provide an open platform for the review of pertinent public policy questions and issues in Kenya and was then incorporated in Kenya under the Companies Act as a company limited by guarantee of its members. As the democratic space was gradually opening up in the country towards the era of multi-party politics, the IEA contextually progressed towards strengthening its structure into a programmatic approach with a focus on research and advocacy activities as aforementioned and its operations are guided by Strategic plan 2008-2012.

Since inception, the IEA has undertaken programmes that seek to increase public availability of information on matters hitherto un-discussed or subjected to minimal debate publicly, if any. From inception the IEA designed for itself a knowledge brokerage role – to facilitate the interaction between different stakeholders in the policy process while ensuring the public availability of alternative options. The IEA has mobilised through its various forums committed professionals to engage in pro - active policy debate and through this it has facilitated an inter-disciplinary analysis of the Kenyan economy, and also offered well-researched and pro-active policy options for various stakeholders.

The IEA has over the years,

• Promoted constructive interaction among the public sector, private sector and civil society in more than 100 public forums – public debates.
• Mobilised professionals from the various sectors to participate in policy dialogue forums,
• Provided parliamentarians and other key policy makers with information that enables them to make contributions in the decision making process especially during debate on proposed legislation,
• Bridged the information gap between policy makers and the private sector and wider civil society by contributing to non-partisan policy analysis and publicising the results,
• Facilitated open discourse on public policy matters so as to bring professionalism to bear on decision making, thus eliminating mediocrity in public life,
• Ensured public awareness of various policy issues through various media./li>

Below are further strengths and competencies that the IEA has built over time.

• Credible research and information base:
• Training workshops and public education forums:
• Network Support:
• Good working relationship with the Executive, Parliament and Civil Society.

For further information about IEA, please contact:

Executive Director: Kwame Owino

5th Floor, Block D, ACK Garden House, Wood Avenue, Off Lenana Road

P.O.BOX 53989 00200 NAIROBI, KENYA

Tel: (+254-20) 2717402, 2721262.

Fax:(+254-20) 2716231

www.ieakenya.or.ke