KEPSA, through the Jiinue Growth Program, successfully completed a series of investor readiness trainings this week, held in Meru, Tharaka Nithi (Chuka), and Embu counties from 28th October to 1st November 2024. The two days investor readiness workshops attracted a total of 63 SMEs and provided the participants with essential skills in financial literacy, and practical tools like business canvass model template, cashflow modelling and KEPSA MSME Financing Gateway to strengthen their business growth and investment readiness.

The Investor Readiness training program aims at equipping local entrepreneurs with financial literacy and financial management skills after which link them to financing which is a core mandate to information needed to attract investment and scale their business skill.

In Meru, the training began with opening remarks from Mr. Harrison Ngatia, KEPSA Chief SME & Enterprise Development Officer. He highlighted the benefits of joining KEPSA, explaining that membership grants businesses access to valuable information, policy advocacy, and numerous growth opportunities. He encouraged participants to leverage technology to expand their networks, advising them to make their contact details easily accessible to foster business connections. Following Mr. Ngatia’s remarks, Ms. June Mwangi, KEPSA Technical Assistance Lead, discussed KEPSA’s commitment to supporting SMEs through affordable financing linkages, noting that “success is when opportunity meets preparedness.”

The Meru session was conducted by trainers Brian Munaita and Catherine Nyaga, who led participants through essential financial management practices, including systematic record-keeping and financial statement preparation. To further support SMEs, Modechai Nyerere, KEPSA Project Assistant, introduced the MSME Financing Gateway. He explained the platform’s purpose and demonstrated how SMEs can use its features, including the loan application process, to access critical financial support.

In Chuka, the training was conducted by Elijah Rwigi, Cate Igoki and Brian Munaita. Ms. Mwangi opened the session by introducing Jiinue Growth Program (JGP), highlighting the program’s dual objectives: to provide technical support and to facilitate access to financing. She underscored the importance of these skills for scaling business operations effectively, explaining that resilience and financial stability are core elements of growth in a competitive environment. During the training, entrepreneurs were guided through advanced financial planning, with trainers emphasizing the importance of aligning growth objectives with operational financial strategies. The Chuka session also provided practical exercises in cash flow management and cost analysis, empowering entrepreneurs to better manage immediate financial demands while preparing for future expansion.

The training in Embu was conducted by Brian Munaita and Mercy Murithi, where the focus extended to KEPSA Jiinue Growth Program partnerships, specifically detailing the unique roles each partner plays in SME development. Trainers encouraged participants to view these partnerships as a collaborative ecosystem that offers a wide range of support, from policy advocacy to technical assistance and financial access. The session highlighted KEPSA holistic approach to business development, emphasizing that through these partnerships, SMEs can access resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities necessary for sustainable growth. Trainers provided case studies to demonstrate how strategic partnerships have helped other SMEs overcome challenges, reinforcing the importance of building connections within the business community. The discussion inspired participants to leverage similar collaborations within their own networks to enhance business resilience and expansion potential.

KEPSA through Jiinue Growth Program plans to continue expanding its training sessions to other regions with a focus on bridging the funding gap for young, women- and men-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by offering customized financial support and technical assistance. Through these initiatives, KEPSA remains committed to strengthening Kenya’s entrepreneurial landscape and empowering local businesses to thrive.

Meru Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBPPQU

Chuka Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBQ4qN

Embu Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBQakC