On March 4th and 5th, 2025, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) successfully conducted a two-day investor readiness training session in Murang’a County under the Jiinue Growth Program, attracting 38 SMEs. 

The training is part of ongoing technical assistance efforts by KEPSA to enhance SME Financial Literacy as well as equip them with the essential knowledge and skills to secure funding and market opportunities. The sessions target youth-led and women-led enterprises, aiming to strengthen their capacity to attract investment and position their businesses for growth and sustainability in a competitive market. 

Affordable Financing Options and Practical Guidance 

In her opening remarks, Ms. June Mwangi, KEPSA Technical Assistance Lead, detailed the program's affordable debt financing options designed to support SMEs. Under this program, businesses can access loans ranging from KES 100,000 to KES 14 million at an interest rate of 0.8125% per month—equivalent to 9.75% per annum on a reducing balance basis. This comprehensive financing package is structured into three distinct products: Working Capital loans to support day-to-day operations, Asset Financing for capital investments, and LPO/LSO Financing to facilitate procurement processes. 

She also stressed the importance of capacity: “Before you apply, ensure you have the capacity to manage the repayment comfortably—only borrow what you can pay without strain.”  

Expert Facilitators Deliver In-Depth Training 

The training was facilitated by Mr. Alfred Warui and Ms. Pauline Kieme, who guided attendees through a series of practical and strategic sessions. 

Mr. Alfred Warui focused on the Business Model Canvas, emphasizing the experience of financiers and the importance of maintaining accurate books of accounts. On the second day, he conducted a highly practical session that helped SMEs refine their business models and financial strategies. Ms. Pauline Kieme succinctly explained the 5 Cs of credit—key principles for sound financial management. She described Character as the evaluation of management’s ethics and credit history, which reflects the business’s reputation. Capacity measures the SME’s ability to pay and operate efficiently. Capital examines whether there are sufficient funds for start-up costs, asset acquisition, and working capital, highlighting the owner's commitment. Collateral involves assessing the assets offered as loan guarantees, ensuring their value meets or exceeds the loan amount without risking critical business operations. Lastly, Condition considers how the loan will be used, whether on a national, international, or local scale. 

The training also featured sessions by industry experts aiming to digitize business operations and expand financing options. Twende Digital was represented by Mr. Joseph Ndung’u, a Business Coach in Murang’a County, who is dedicated to helping SMEs digitize their operations. 

Safaricom contributed through multiple presentations. Mr. Gacheru Mwaura, Channels Operations Lead of Enterprise Business Unit for Safaricom PLC, discussed the Safaricom business loans accessible via *234# and introduced the Pochi la Biashara loan. He also addressed a frequently asked question from the SMEs on the Safaricom confidentiality, he assured, “For us to be able to share your information we will need a court injunction, we are very confidential.” Ms. Lynda Oguta explained the corporate post-pay solutions available through *544#, and corporate value packs can benefit SMEs. Mr. Martin Ngumo showcased the advantages of Safaricom’s MiFi products, highlighting flexible bundles, portability, and lasting battery life to keep businesses connected. 

Mr. Eliud Were from KEPSA Communications encouraged participants to share the upcoming Online Investor Readiness Training with fellow SMEs in the targeted regions. He urged the SMEs to apply for the SME Innovation Challenge Excellence Awards—the 2nd Edition designed to recognize SMEs driving innovative solutions to overcome market access barriers for local and global expansion. For more details on the awards, interested parties can visit KEPSA SME Hub or submit their entries at this link. 

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. 

To register for upcoming training visit: https://forms.gle/idE9iXbf5v8KB8ar9  

Murang’a photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC4uCn