The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), through the Jiinue Growth Program, successfully completed three simultaneous two-day Investor Readiness training sessions, held in Taita Taveta, Kilifi, and Mombasa counties, on 19^th to 20^th November 2024, attracting a total of 98 SMEs.  

The Investor Readiness training program is designed to prepare local entrepreneurs to seize funding and market opportunities by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills. The program focuses on financial literacy, including a comprehensive understanding of available funding options, credit principles, and the specific requirements needed to secure successful business financing. Targeting youth-led and women-led enterprises, these sessions aim to build their capacity to attract investment, navigate financial systems effectively, and position their businesses for growth and sustainability in a competitive market. 

In Voi at Taita Taveta, Ms. Peris Kiguru, KEPSA Project Officer, opened the session by introducing KEPSA and its pivotal role in uniting businesses under one umbrella. She outlined the KEPSA’s mission to foster growth, tackle challenges, and promote collaboration between businesses and the government. 

Ms. Kiguru highlighted the Jiinue Growth Program as a Mastercard-funded initiative bridging the financing gap for SMEs by offering tailored training and access to financial resources. Facilitators Mr. Benson Ndegwa and Mr. Emanuel Mbogholi guided participants through business development tools and strategies, while Mr. Metternich Modechai, KEPSA Project Assistant MSME Financing Gateway introduced the MSME Financing Gateway, which connects MSMEs to reliable financial and business development resources, and Mr. Modechai also demonstrated the Jiinue Growth Program loan application process to ensure seamless access to funding opportunities. 

In Mombasa, the workshop opened with remarks from Mr. Levi Injendi, KEPSA Trade and Investment Officer, who emphasized the KEPSA commitment to fostering SME growth through capacity building and financial linkages. 

The training, led by facilitators Mr. Brian Munaita and Mr. Cecil Otiende, focused on financial management, proper bookkeeping, and investor readiness. Mr. Munaita stressed the importance of maintaining accurate business records, which are essential for accessing credit facilities. He also guided participants through loan application processes, highlighting the detailed steps involved. Mr. Otiende introduced the "Five Cs of Credit"—capacity, capital, collateral, character, and condition—encouraging SMEs to align their operations with these principles.  

In Kilifi, Mr. Khalid Adam and Mr. Benard Otieno led the training sessions that focused on in-depth business knowledge and record keeping. The trainers highlighted the "Business Model Canvas (BMC) and the 5 principles of financial management amongst other areas. 

Ms. June Mwangi, KEPSA Technical Assistance Lead, with a presentation on KEPSA commitment to supporting SMEs through affordable financing linkages, she also addressed frequently asked questions, clarifying that collateral is not required for loans under KSh 3 million and that funding can cover up to 80% of Local Purchase Order (LPO) needs.  

The sessions also provided a platform for participants to seek clarity on key aspects of funding. Questions such as whether the funding was a loan or a grant were addressed, with clarification that it is a loan. On the amounts available, it was explained that entrepreneurs could access up to 14 million Kenyan shillings, depending on eligibility and business needs. These discussions emphasized the importance of financial literacy, equipping participants with the knowledge needed to align their businesses with available opportunities. 

Ms. Lucy Mitei, Ms. Audrey Murigi, and Mr. Harrison Ngatia played pivotal roles by attending and actively participating in all three training sessions. Ms. Lucy Mitei, KEPSA Gender Specialist, highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive environment during the sessions, particularly for mothers who often face unique challenges in balancing their responsibilities. She actively sought feedback from participants to identify areas of improvement, underscoring KEPSA's commitment to continuously enhancing future training experiences for maximum impact and inclusivity. 

In his closing remarks, Mr. Harrison Ngatia, KEPSA Chief SME & Enterprise Development Officer, highlighted the transformative influence of Gen Z on the business landscape. He described how their digital expertise and innovative ideas are reshaping traditional business models, urging entrepreneurs to adapt to these changes. 

"Gen Z is changing the dynamic of doing business. Even for you as a business, you need to be asking yourself: How can I take my business online? What mechanisms can I put in place to ensure my business is secure as well?" he encouraged.

He also stressed the importance of staying connected and ensuring clear communication. "As you wait for the status of your applications, make sure your email is active and you check it daily. And your phone—make sure it's on! Some people don’t pick calls from new numbers. Is it because you're dodging debts?" he joked, prompting laughter from the audience. "Either way, stay reachable—you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity!" 

Mr. Ngatia concluded by emphasizing persistence, policy awareness, and leveraging digital tools, leaving the audience inspired to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving business environment. 

The Investor Readiness training sessions underscore KEPSA's dedication to empowering SMEs across Kenya. The Jiinue Growth Program will continue its rollout to other regions, aiming to reach more businesses nationwide. Through these efforts, KEPSA remains committed to strengthening Kenya’s entrepreneurial landscape, ensuring businesses have the skills, tools, and resources to thrive.