KEPSA, under the Jiinue Growth Program (JGP), today facilitated the 3^rd SME benchmarking tour at Bidco Africa targeting SMEs in different sectors to learn and incorporate best business practices into their business operations. The event attended by 50 SMEs from different parts of the country and 20 KEPSA staff provided an opportunity for businesses to learn how to build entrepreneurship resilience, tapping and navigating the export markets and sustainable best practices that are key for business transformation.

Participants were taken through several sessions including ethical practices in business and the long-term benefits and sustainability strategies like energy efficiency and digital transformation as some of the best practices to transform businesses. Participants were also taken through lessons on building a strong brand identity in the global market and later taken for a plant tour to witness first-hand and appreciate the operations and processes that are involved in the manufacturing of Bidco products.

Bidco Africa, with over 5000 employees, is East Africa's leading manufacturer of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) which started in 1985 as a soap manufacturing plant in Nairobi. Over the years it has continuously grown to be the home of some of East Africa's most loved brands across edible oils and fats, hygiene and personal care and most recently food and beverage brands.

While delivering his keynote address, the founder and Chairperson of Bidco Africa Dr Vimal Shah emphasised the importance of adaptability and change in business.  He stressed the necessity of being customer-centric and the value of transparency within a company, advocating for openness and collaboration rather than secrecy. Dr Shah also highlights the significance of smart partnerships over-relying on external aid. He went on to argue that the key to success is integrating systems, processes and customer-focus and that sharing ideas and working together is crucial for the growth and sustainability of any business.

The benchmarking tour underscored KEPSA's commitment to empowering SMEs by facilitating knowledge exchange with established organisations, equipping SMEs with powerful tools to enhance their operations and competitiveness.

The Jiinue Growth Program (JGP) seeks to address the funding gap for young women and young men-owned/led MSMEs by pairing up financial support with technical assistance, and a hands-on coordination strategy between various players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program is implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and is led by Grassroots Business Fund (GBF) and brings together six organisations, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya National Chambers of Commerce (KNCCI), GROOTS, 4G Capital, and Powered by People (PBP). The program offers several benefits in terms of market access, including the integration of MSEs into supplier diversity programs, organizing MSE exhibitions, developing online and digital marketplaces, and supporting MSEs in brand and product positioning.