CORPORATE GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS OF KENYA

(Established under the Accountant Act, Laws of Kenya)

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Theme: Building Public Trust Through Effective Governance And Leadership

Venue: Sarova Whitesands Beach Hotel And Spa Mombasa

Date: 22^nd to 26^th March 2021

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of corporate governance is to facilitate effective, entrepreneurial, and prudent management that can deliver the long-term success of the private and public sectors of our economy. Corporate governance, and the link between governance and strategic performance, remains a topical focus for public policy makers, academicians, and commentators. Despite an extensive and growing training in this field by various local and international training institutions, the link between corporate governance and performance remains elusive.

Corporate governance is the system by which companies are directed and controlled. Boards of directors are responsible for the governance of their companies. The shareholders’ role in governance is to appoint the directors and the auditors to satisfy themselves that an appropriate governance structure is in place.

The responsibilities of the board include setting the company’s strategic aims, providing the leadership to put them into effect, supervising the management of the business and reporting to shareholders on their stewardship. Corporate governance is therefore about what the board of a company does and how it sets the values of the company, and it is to be distinguished from the day-to-day operational management of the company by full-time executives.

In Kenya, we have witnessed a gradual shift from executive directors to independent and non-executive directors a move that is gradually gaining traction with an aim to guard the shareholders and stakeholders inters. The Code of Corporate Governance for Issuers of Securities to Public (2016) issued by the Capital Markets Authority seem to have been embraced by most of the firms in this frontier market of about 64 listed trading firms. There is still a large population of potential firms that remains non-listed. Mwongozo guidelines have also been issued to provide a governance framework for state corporations in Kenya. The two frameworks are aligned to internationally recognized governance frameworks such Kings Code. They embodies key enabling features such as Board charters, Codes of conduct, professional ethics, and performance management. The Code addresses matters of effectiveness of Boards, transparency and disclosure, accountability, risk management, internal controls, ethical leadership and good corporate citizenship.

We must appreciate that good governance can also have wider impacts to the non-listed sector because it is fundamentally about improving transparency and accountability within existing systems. One of the interesting developments in the last few years has been the way in which the ‘corporate’ governance label has been used to describe governance and accountability issues beyond the corporate sector.

Good leadership provides the required direction for an organization and its stakeholders, both internal and external. Various stakeholders need to know the direction in which the organization is headed and who to follow to reach the destination. Leadership involves showing employees how to effectively perform their responsibilities and regularly supervising the completion of their tasks while providing feedback for improvement. Good leadership also includes setting a positive example for staff to follow, by being excited about the work, being motivated to learn new things, receiving feedback, and helping as needed in both individual and team activities.

Leadership in business is the capacity of a company’s management to set and achieve challenging goals, take fast and decisive action when needed, outperform the competition, and inspire others to perform at their highest levels.Leadership also speaks to a more holistic approach, such as the tone of an organization or the culture that management establishes. Individuals with strong leadership skills in the business world often rise to executive positions.

Effective leadership includes exhibiting a strong character. Leaders exhibit honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and ethics. Leaders act in line with how they speak and earn the right to be responsible for others’ success in the organization. Strong leadership involves clear communication skills. Leaders speak with and listen to staff members, respond to questions and concerns, and are empathetic. Leaders use effective communication skills for moving the company forward and achieving new levels of success.

This Conference will provide you with the opportunity to discuss issues and challenges as well as dwell on topical areas such as:

1. Successful strategic planning in light of the pandemic

• Clarifying the role of the Board and Management in strategic planning
• Metrics for monitoring strategy implementation
• Key challenges in strategy oversight and implementation
• Key pillars of effective Board strategy oversight
• Integrating risk management with Strategic Planning

2. Succession and business continuity planning considerations and learnings from COVID-19 and other recent events- Adjusting Business Planning for the second wave or unrelated second shocks to business continuity
3. Employee compensation and incentives considering the impact of COVID-19 and other recent events

4. Effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures despite the challenges of operating during the pandemic
5. Strengthening and updating company’s policies, practices and goals with respect to diversity and inclusion
6. Upholding Professional Ethics in a seemingly corrupt business environment

• Developing Ethical Intelligence in the Board Room
• Cultivating an Ethical culture across the business
• Assessing strategy for Ethical Risks
• Role of the board in Fraud Risk oversight and enhancement of Whistle blowing effectiveness
• Role of the board in fostering compliance to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements

7. Crucial differences between a leader and a boss: the recommended option for organizations’ success
8. How leaders can win respect and loyalty from team members
9. Navigating leadership obstacles to create an impact and leave a legacy for decades
10. Leadership time management skills and tips for effective oversight
11. Cultivating executive presence for success

• The art of inspiring confidence
• Leading with composure in turbulent times
• Office etiquette
• Meetings etiquette (virtual and physical)
• Dressing for success in leadership

12. Crucial differences between a leader and a boss: the recommended option for organizations’ success
13. The art of giving and receiving feedback in leadership

Panel Discussion Topics:

• Governance issues surrounding large investors in a public company
• Current developments in executive compensation
• Corporate governance at state-backed companies
• Proxy advisory firms – truths & myths
• Dealing with a global corporate crisis
• Effective delegation for successful delivery of the organization’s mission
• Critical communication skills for leaders of today

This program targets:

• Board of Directors and Audit Committee Members
• CEOs, CFOs, Divisional Leaders and Senior Strategic Managers
• Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance Experts
• Internal & External Auditors
• Academicians, Industry players, Policy Makers, Industry regulators and stakeholders from both private and public sectors

 CHARGES

Continuous Professional Development Units

Members of ICPAK and those from reciprocating professional bodies will earn 20 Structured CPD points upon successfully attending all sessions.

National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Reimbursement

The Institute is registered as a trainer with National Industrial Training Authority. The Institute’s registration number is DIT/TRN/47. Participants who are registered levy contributors should apply to NITA for reimbursement of their fees. Please note that this is applicable for Kenyan citizens only and subject to NITA regulations. Remember that to qualify you should apply to NITA for approval prior to the date of the conference. Further details can be obtained from their website (www.nita.go.ke).

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The training presents a perfect opportunity for organizations to showcase their products & services to a target group with high purchasing powers, both on personal and corporate levels. You will also have a unique opportunity for brand positioning and communication that will enjoy optimal visibility. Armed with significant purchasing power and decision-making authority, the audience are a key target group for businesses. For more information or enquiries please email raphael.nguli@icpak.com.

For further inquiries, kindly contact Joy Wanyonyi at joy.wanyonyi@icpak.com with a copy to judith.wambura@icpak.com. Reach us on call: +254 719 074000/129

We encourage you to regularly visit our website www.icpak.com for updates on the Conference.