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KEPSA
7th Floor, South Tower, Two Rivers, Limuru Rd, Nairobi.
info@kepsa.or.ke
The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), through the Jiinue Growth Program, marked a significant milestone in 2024 by successfully completing Investor Readiness training sessions across 22 counties, involving a total of 1,348 participants. Towards end of November and early December 2024, KEPSA continued rolling out the two days investor readiness training sessions in different regions specifically in Nyeri, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Elgeyo Marakwet, benefiting a total of 138 SMEs. This sessions underscores KEPSA’s commitment to equipping enterprises owned/led by young women and young men with essential skills to secure funding, build strategic partnerships, and position their businesses for growth in a competitive market. The sessions also enhanced financial literacy, introduced innovative business models, and provided practical tools to scale businesses. The training session in Nyeri, Nairobi and Nakuru took place from November 26th to 29th, while In Eldoret and Elgeyo Marakwet the sessions took place in December 3rd to 5th, 2024.
Mr. Harrison Ngatia, KEPSA Chief SME & Enterprise Development Officer, commended participants for proactively marketing their businesses during the training. He encouraged entrepreneurs to seize every opportunity to showcase their products and services, reminding them, “Anytime you get an opportunity to address people, always ensure you market your business.” Highlighting the evolving business landscape and the growing dominance of online platforms like Alibaba, Mr. Ngatia advised SMEs to prepare for a future where physical stores may lose relevance while remaining cautious in evaluating potential collaborators. In Nyeri, Mr. Ngatia’s encouragement resonated as participants showcased their businesses effectively. Meanwhile, in Nakuru, Ms. Mwangi’s emphasis on strategic marketing and tailored solutions highlighted the program’s adaptability.
Ms. June Mwangi, KEPSA Technical Assistance Lead, emphasized the need for businesses to continuously position themselves in alignment with shifting trends and demographics. Noting that over 80% of Kenya's population is under the age of 35, she highlighted the importance of understanding and adapting to this youthful demographic. She urged SMEs to leverage this youthful market, build partnerships, and adopt trends to remain competitive. During sessions in, Ms. Mwangi reiterated the importance of innovation and networking. She encouraged participants to leverage social media platforms to enhance visibility and drive sales, emphasizing their role as gateways to growth and global markets.
In Nakuru, key facilitators, Mr. Michael Itotia from Tally Solutions and Mr. Patrick Kemei, introduced innovative financial management principles and technological tools to streamline business operations. Practical exercises allowed participants to apply these insights, fostering a deeper understanding of maintaining proper books of accounts and preparing financial statements.
In Nairobi, the sessions were led by Mr. Alfred Warui and Mr. Benson Ndegwa, who introduced the Business Model Canvas and financial projection techniques. Mr. Warui’s presentation on the “Five Cs of Credit”—capacity, capital, collateral, character, and condition—offered a roadmap for SMEs to align with credit requirements. Mr. Ndegwa’s hands-on approach to crafting investment teasers equipped participants with tools to effectively engage investors. Networking opportunities flourished, exemplified by a strategic partnership formed in Nyeri between Ms. Asha Kiranga, a seller of chicken and eggs, and Mr. Gitonga, a buyer. Their collaboration demonstrated the program’s potential to create meaningful business connections.
Mr. Humphrey Diang’a and Ms. Euphrasia Kagai Mwangala facilitated the sessions in Eldoret, who guided participants through cash flow projections and the Business Model Canvas. In Elgeyo Marakwet, Mr. Evans Ogola and Ms. Winfred Cherono provided detailed insights into financial health checks and accounting processes, ensuring participants left equipped to manage their finances effectively.
Throughout 2024, the Jiinue Growth Program has made remarkable strides in supporting SMEs. By October, the program had committed 127 loans valued at KES 211 million and issued 41,272 micro-loans totaling KES 1.03 billion. These achievements highlight KEPSA’s dedication to transforming lives and fostering business growth nationwide. As the year ends, KEPSA remains committed to expanding its initiatives and supporting more SMEs in 2025. Through comprehensive training programs, strategic partnerships, and tailored financial solutions, KEPSA continues to empower entrepreneurs, paving the way for sustainable growth and success in Kenya’s dynamic business environment.