On 9th September 2024, at Jumuia Hotel in Kisumu, trainers from various regions across the Nyanza, Western and North Rift Region gathered for the Investor Readiness Training of Trainers ahead of the KEPSA SME’s September 2024 Jiinue Growth Program training activities. The goal of this training is to equip the trainers with the knowledge and tools needed to guide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in bridging the gap between their financial needs and the requirements of investors and financial institutions. This training marked a critical step in ensuring that businesses are not only able to access funds but also manage them effectively.

Harrison Ngatia, the Chief SME & Enterprise Development Officer from KEPSA, officially opened the training session. He highlighted a common pitfall among many business owners—the focus on securing funds without planning for repayment. “Too often, people think about the money they need but not how they’ll pay it back,” Harrison explained. He emphasized that a culture of paying debts is crucial. “Repaying loans on time protects the business reputation and keeps the door open for future funding. We must not only teach how to get the loan but also how to manage the responsibility of repayment.” This insight set the tone for the day’s training, as trainers were urged to instill the value of financial integrity in the business owners they work with.

The training also delved into the specifics of loan acquisition for the SME product under the Jiinue Growth Program, with amounts ranging from over KES 100,000 to KES 14,000,000 available to businesses. The trainer, Ms. Pauline Kieme, carefully walked the attendees through the loan requirements, process, explaining that while the timeline typically takes between three to five weeks, each step requires attention to detail. From submitting the application, reviewing financial documents, undergoing KYC (Know Your Customer) checks, to conducting a site visit, every phase is designed to ensure that both the applicant and lender are aligned. Only after these steps are completed can the loan be approved and disbursed.

One key element that the trainer emphasized was the importance of business ethics throughout the loan process. Applicants must maintain high integrity, submitting all documents accurately via the application portal. Furthermore, businesses must align their growth plans with any existing financial obligations. “Having an outstanding loan doesn’t disqualify you from receiving another,” the trainer reassured, “however, it will impact the size of the loan you’re eligible for under the Jiinue Growth Program.”

It was evident that this training was more than just a practical session on securing loans; it was about creating a mindset shift in the business community—a shift towards responsibility, transparency, and sustainability.

With skilled trainers leading the way, SMEs will be better prepared to meet investor expectations, access capital, and, most importantly, repay their debts with integrity.