ICPAK 6TH RESEARCH CONFERENCE 2025 (virtual option)

INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS OF KENYA
(Established under Accountants Act, Laws of Kenya)

ICPAK 6TH RESEARCH CONFERENCE 2025
THEME: MITIGATING ECONOMIC CHALLENGES THROUGH INNOVATION, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND ENHANCED FINANCIAL REPORTING
DATE: 27th-29th, AUGUST 2025
VENUE: ZOOM

1. INTRODUCTION

 The 6th ICPAK Research Conference themed, Mitigating Economic Challenges Through Innovation, Accountability, and Enhanced Financial Reporting, aims to bring together scholars, regulators, practitioners, policymakers, accountants and users of accounting information from Kenya, Africa, and beyond to present and discuss research findings and papers that provides recommendations for addressing pressing economic challenges.

Various studies have identified fiscal deficits, rising cost of living and tighter access to credit as some of the pressing economic challenges faced by countries. These challenges have been intensified by global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and the ongoing climate crisis, all of which pose risks to financial stability.

In response to these issues, Governments have implemented various policy reforms. However, the effectiveness of these reforms is contingent upon further research to assess their impact, identify potential gaps in implementation, and explore how professionals can enhance their role in supporting sustainable fiscal policies and economic stability. In addition, the growing emphasis on public sector accountability and the increasing pressure on public spending have highlighted the need for research and capacity building on financial reporting.

The ICPAK 6th Research Conference therefore seeks to provide a platform for exploring innovative solutions, highlights the importance of accountability, and emphasize the need for enhanced financial reporting to mitigate these economic challenges.

The ICPAK 6th Research Conference therefore seeks to provide a platform for exploring innovative solutions, highlights the importance of accountability, and emphasize the need for enhanced financial reporting to mitigate these economic challenges.

2. RATIONALE FOR THIS CONFERENCE
The rationale for the conference is grounded in key national developments, outlined as follows:
i. Kenya has increasingly relied on both domestic and external debt to finance infrastructure and other development programs, resulting in a rising public debt burden and associated risks. In this context, there is need for more research in promoting sound fiscal policies, ensuring transparency, and providing expertise on debt sustainability.

ii. The Government’s legislative reforms and proposals, including recent tax amendments, have generated widespread debate due to their impact on the cost of living. Given that Finance and Accounting professionals are uniquely positioned to assist businesses with these changes there is need for more research on ways to mitigate potential adverse effects on the economy.

iii. Many county governments are facing significant cash flow challenges, primarily due to delayed exchequer releases. This underscores the need for research that can assist in developing innovative solutions to enhance own source revenue and cash flow management.

iv. The Government is actively pursuing a Zero Fault Audit (ZFA) status for all public entities, to ensure the prudent use and management of public resources. More research is needed to explore the best practices for public entities to attain and maintain this status that will help identify challenges, gaps, and opportunities for improvement in public sector accountability.

v. As Kenya prepares for the transition to accrual accounting in the public sector, there is an urgent need to build capacity through research to ensure successful implementation and to strengthen the overall financial management framework.

3. SUB-THEMES OF THE 6TH RESEARCH CONFERENCE
The conference will focus on five key thematic areas:
i. Accounting and Financial Reporting
ii. Economics, Taxation, and Public Finance Management
iii. Innovation and Technology
iv. Financial Management and Risk Management
v. Accountability and Auditing
4. IMPORTANT DATES

This is to Call for Submission of Paper(s) from researchers, thinktanks and institutions noting the following important dates:

 Deadline for submission of full papers: 15th July 2025
 Notification of acceptance of paper: 31st July 2025
 Presentation of Papers at 6th Research Conference: 27th – 29th August 2025

5. BENEFITS
The following are some of the benefits of attending the 6th Research Conference 2025:
a) Research Insights on Current Economic Challenges
Delegates will gain valuable insights from research focused on tackling critical economic challenges. The conference will present evidence-based recommendations on leveraging innovation, accountability, and enhanced financial reporting to address key issues facing businesses and governments.
b) Professional Growth and Knowledge Sharing
The research conference offers an opportunity for professional growth through interactive sessions, discussions, and knowledge-sharing. Delegates will be able to exchange ideas, address challenges, and collaborate on strategies that enhance the future of accounting and financial reporting in mitigating economic challenges.
c) Exposure to Innovative Solutions
Delegates will be exposed to the latest technological advancements and innovative practices in accounting and financial reporting. The research conference will showcase solutions that can improve decision-making, optimize financial processes, and enhance overall performance.
d) Networking Opportunities
Engage with thought leaders, policymakers, and professionals across various sectors of the economy. The research conference provides a platform for participants to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can support career growth and collaborative initiatives.

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNITS (CPD UNITS):

Members of ICPAK and reciprocating professional bodies will be awarded 20 Structured CPD Units upon successfully completion of the Conference.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

The charges for participants are as follows: 

* Conference fee will be waived for Paper presenters

REGISTRATION AND BOOKING

We call on interested participants to book for the event via 0719074100 or visit the website  www.icpak.com  for more details.

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)

Further requests can be channelled to us via email to research@icpak.com.