Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for long have not been fully been recognized is key driver in our economy despite significant role in growing small economies in rural and urban set ups.
Recognizing their significance, the government has taken proactive steps to elevate their status and support their development.
Mr. Chumba Collins officer in charge of MSMEs in Nandi County emphasizes the commitment of the institution to prioritize the vulnerable groups includes women, persons with disabilities, and youth ensuring they have opportunities to thrive in society.
Chumba however decried that only 20 groups have been registered in Nandi saying MSMEs structure only supports youths, women and vulnerable persons registered groups.
He clarified that their office assists entrepreneurs by providing equipment and tools needed for their daily businesses for instance modern sewing machines for those interested clothes designs.
According to him, they also welcome business ideas from individual and offer financial support to registered groups with achievable business financial plans.
At the same time, they help entrepreneurs connect with markets and provide marketing skills through trade shows and exhibitions. This support aims to help businesses thrive and grow in the community.
Chumba appealed to youths, women and the vulnerable groups to register their businesses and seek for trainings and funding from MSMEs.
He revealed that registered entrepreneurs groups in Nandi have benefited from chick hatching incubators and dairy milk coolers. Many youths were also trained in different fields of interest at various institutions. Additionally, they have been connected to market opportunities to sell their goods and services effectively.
The National Affordable Housing Project in Emgwen Constituency within Kapsabet town has involved the youths groups in various skilled trades such as masonry, welding, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical engineering this being one of the key government agenda of job creation.
This initiative not only supports the housing projects but also contributes to the development of skills and economic opportunities among young people.
Chumba highlighted programs working with MSMEs in supporting youth entrepreneurs skills and cited the Kenya Youths Empowerment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP) and the National Youth Opportunities Program (NYOTA) as playing key roles.
These programs he said have helped many youths to showcase their abilities and gain access to funds.
The goal is to empower youth to start and grow their businesses, fostering economic independence and contributing to national development efforts, he said adding that the programs are pivotal in providing crucial support for youth entrepreneurship across Kenya.
One of the major challenges facing MSMEs is insufficient funding, which fails its crucial activities according to Chumba. This lack of adequate financial resources limits its ability to support and promote entrepreneurs effectively.
Another challenge is the reluctance of many associations and entrepreneurs to register with the SMEMs structure.
Chumba encouraged the youths within Nandi to visit their office to pursue their dreams as young entrepreneurs in order to achieve the agenda of strengthened youth entrepreneurship across Kenya.
By Geoffrey Satia and Mark Koros
