On June 13, 2024, Ms. Rose Mwaura, the Chief Operating Officer of KEPSA, H.E. Mrs. Joan Thomas Edwards, High Commissioner of Jamaica to Kenya, and Andrew Francis, Minister Counsellor at the Jamaican High Commission, graced the final day of the Cohort 4 pre-lending and investor readiness training at the Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel, Nairobi. The cohort attracted more than 25 SMEs seeking funds to accelerate their business growth.

The 8-module training is one of the technical assistance initiatives that KEPSA is implementing under the Jiinue Growth Programme to promote business growth, scalability, income, and job creation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) run by young entrepreneurs (18-35 years) in Kenya. These intensive financial masterclasses equip entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, skills, and tools on investor readiness and financial management needed to secure funding and drive sustainable growth for their businesses.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Joan Thomas Edwards, the chief guest,  highlighted Jamaica's support for small businesses through interventions such as facilitating beneficial partnerships and providing incubation for startups until they become self-sufficient. She encouraged Kenyan entrepreneurs to leverage global market opportunities rather than focusing solely on local markets. Key markets for Jamaican SMEs include music and creative industry, fashion, essential oils production, and value addition of natural resources like ginger and peppermint.  She also invited SMEs to participate in the Jamaica Exhibition Forum.

Ms. Rose Mwaura urged SMEs to produce quality products to ensure global competitiveness. She emphasized the benefits of joining KEPSA, including professional growth, policy influence, valuable networking, development opportunities, and access to crucial information, resources, and government assistance. “Through KEPSA, members can overcome obstacles and seize business opportunities both locally and internationally,” she added.

The attendance was a fruit of the meeting at the KEPSA offices, where potential areas of collaboration in trade and investment between the private sectors of Kenya and Jamaica were discussed. During the meeting, she highlighted key cooperation areas, particularly in tourism, and emphasized the importance of technology exchange, focusing on digital programs relevant to the youth.

Key takeaways from the training for MSMEs were:
•    Enhanced financial literacy (financial records, funding needs), and health checks on their books.
•    Better understanding of their value proposition in the market
•    Networking with fellow entrepreneurs for collaboration opportunities and market expansion.
•    Expert guidance and insights on financial management
•    Connection of SMEs to affordable and accessible financial products. 
•    Partnership between Kenya and Jamaica for small businesses