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KEPSA is the private sector apex and umbrella body set up in 2003, to bring together business community in a single voice to engage and influence public policy for an enabling business environment. over 500,000 direct and indirect members..
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KEPSA EMPOWERS 75 SMES IN NAIROBI AND KITUI THROUGH THE JIINUE GROWTH PROGRAM
- Published On: 2025-02-28
On February 27th and 28th, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) successfully conducted a two-day investor readiness training session under the Jiinue Growth Program, held concurrently in Nairobi and Kitui County. A total of 75 SMEs—55 in Nairobi and 20 in Kitui—received tailored guidance on financial literacy, business planning, and strategies to secure funding.
In Nairobi
In Nairobi, the training session was facilitated by Ms. Pauline Kieme and Mr. Benson Ndegwa, who led an in-depth exploration of financial management and strategic scaling. The program commenced with an introduction by Mr. Modechai Nyerere from KEPSA, who highlighted the organization’s role as a dedicated membership organization supporting SMEs.
On the first day, participants were introduced to the essentials of financial planning, with a particular focus on aligning growth objectives with existing financial obligations. This foundational approach was designed to help SMEs manage their immediate responsibilities while setting the stage for future expansion.
The second day shifted to more advanced strategies, emphasizing the importance of site visits in the funding process to build trust and transparency with potential investors. A series of expert presentations further enriched the program:
- Tally Solutions Presentation:
Mr. Michael Itotia showcased Tally Solutions’ secure, configurable, and customizable systems, assuring attendees that their business data remains protected even under challenging conditions.
- Safaricom Business Insights:
The Safaricom Business team delivered detailed sessions featuring Mr. Septon Ataro on credit products tailored for merchants using Lipa na M-Pesa tills and pochi wallets. Meanwhile, Mr. Felix Juma discussed mobile and data solutions—including Faiba, free installations, 5G, 4G, and MIFI—with additional insights of Safaricom Business through brochures provided by Sophie Kimuge, ensuring a comprehensive overview of innovative business tools.
- March Online Training and Innovation Excellence Awards:
Mr. Eliud Were, from KEPSA Communication team, shared the March 2025 schedule for a 4-week online investor readiness training program, designed to equip entrepreneurs in the Western and Mt. Kenya regions with the skills needed to secure funding. He then introduced the 2nd edition of the SME Innovation Challenge Excellence Awards, urging eligible SMEs to apply in the respective categories ahead of the fast-approaching deadline of March 24th, 2025, and encouraging them to share the opportunity with fellow SMEs.
In Kitui
In Kitui County, the investor readiness training session drew 20 SMEs. Facilitated by Mr. Lazarus Nthusi, CPA, and Ms. Mercy Kyule, the Kitui training emphasized practical financial management and sustainable growth strategies.
The session opened with remarks from Ms. June Mwangi, Technical Assistance Lead, who introduced KEPSA and underscored its advocacy for a better business environment in Kenya. She reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting businesses across the country and encouraged participants to remain true to their commitments, acting as ambassadors of the Jiinue Growth Program. As she noted, “Securing funding is just the beginning; businesses must also commit to fulfilling their repayment obligations to maintain integrity and secure future opportunities.”
In addition to these inspiring remarks, the session provided practical tools for growth:
- Safaricom’s Support:
Ms. Sharon Nkirote from Safaricom advised participants on the benefits of adopting Safaricom till numbers, which ensure secure transactions and open access to ‘boost ya biashara’ loans. She also discussed various internet solutions—from 4G and 5G routers to fiber and MIFI—that can help SMEs thrive in today’s digital landscape.
- Strategic Financial Planning:
Mr. Lazarus Nthusi guided attendees through the Business Model Canvas (BMC) template, emphasizing the importance of continuously updating financial records and engaging in detailed planning.
- Understanding Credit Fundamentals:
Ms. Mercy Kyule introduced the 5 C’s of credit—character, collateral, capacity, capital, and condition—explaining that these criteria help credit officers assess a business’s credit risk when evaluating loan applications.
As the sessions in both Nairobi and Kitui concluded on February 28th, participants left with actionable insights, enhanced financial management skills, and renewed motivation to drive their businesses forward. KEPSA, through the Jiinue Growth Program continues to empower SMEs by delivering critical knowledge and practical tools that pave the way for sustainable business growth.
Nairobi Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC3Wnb
Kitui Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC3Yke