An inaugural gathering bringing together emerging and renowned entrepreneurs from various sectors is slated for Kisumu starting Monday next week
The five-day event that is dubbed Lake Basin Innovative and Investment Week (LIIBW) seeks to spur an innovative business culture among entrepreneurs from the 14 Lake Region Economic Block (LREB) counties.
The forum, according to the LIIBW Secretariat, Philip Pande, also intends to showcase the region as a potential investment destination.
Pande said the forum also seeks to transform the business narrative of the region by promoting innovative business mindset among the local youth.
“With a widening population bulge in our country, Kenya, there is need for young people to secure their future through creation of alternative jobs and opportunities…” reads part of statement by Pande on behalf of LIIWB secretariat
The secretariat further noted that the meeting comes at a crucial moment in positioning the LREB counties for the economic bubble that is anticipated with the upcoming opening of the refurbished and expanded Kisumu Port.
A major highlight of the event will be to formulate a one-stop policy on agribusiness, cooperatives, youth employment and enterprise development to be adopted by the member counties.
And more than 500 participants from the 47 counties and dignitaries, including the British Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya are expected to grace the function organized by a conglomerate of local innovators- Winam Capital, Lake Hub and FabLab Winam.
Other partners backing the meeting include, German Corporation in Kenya (GIZ) and Department of International Development (DFID).
By Milton Onyango
