The AEA CEO Mr. Wesley Siele is currently attending the 112th International Labour Organisation Conference being held in Geneva Switzerland. The conference brings together the Tripartite ie Employers, Employees and Government at the international level to discuss issues that touch on the employment.

At the side lines of the ongoing International Labour Organisation Conference being held in Geneva Switzerland, the CEO AEA Mr. Wesley Siele held a discussion with the Employers’ Federation of Colombian Ms. Juliana Manrique on areas to learn from the country. Kenya and Colombia share a lot of being in the equator hence the growing conditions for Kenya's export products like Coffee, Cut Flowers, Avocado and fresh produce are comparable. The two countries also compete for the same market hence the need to look into the costs of production.

The CEO also discussed areas of collaboration with Ms. Beatrice Miano Public Affairs Manager World Employment Confederation,

The Association will keep updating members on the key learning points and resolutions passed at the ILO.

The Association held its 61^st Annual General Meeting at Sawela Lodge in Naivasha.

The event which was presided over by Justice Fredrick Ochieng – Judge of the Court of Appeal representing  Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, EGH Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya was attended by more than 70 representatives from different companies within the membership from all over the country; drawn from Flower, Tea, Educational Institutions and General Agricultural sectors.

It is during the meeting that the office of the Executive Committee that served for 2 years led by Mr. Stephen Strong was dissolved and a new one established through an election in line with the association’s constitution.

The Management committee of the newly elected office comprise of;

Mr. Kirimi Mpungu- Chairman

Mr. Patrick Mbugua-1^st Vice Chairman

Mr. Nigel Leakey- 2^nd Vice Chairman

Mr. Joseph Alubakar-Treasurer

 In his last speech as the Chairman, Mr. Stephen Strong in handing over  the reins of leadership acknowledged the gradual reduction of  court cases within the membership which he attributed to the trainings and consultation avenues offered to members by the Association.

He however expressed concerns over the significant financial strain the  agricultural sector is facing  worsened by the delayed refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) by the government. He urged the government to consider alleviating the tax burden on farmers by offsetting some of the taxes they are currently paying.

 In conclusion, he thanked all members for the support offered to him during his tenure and requested them to extend the same to the incoming office.

 The Chief Guest; Justice Fredrick Ochieng in his speech emphasized on the different ways people can resolve disputes without a trial by appreciating that Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) can be used to settle disagreements with the help of a third party.

He encouraged members to embrace mediation as an alternative mechanism as it promotes good relationships in industrial Relations.

The Association wishes to thank all its members for making the 61^st AGM a success through their presence and participation.