Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has lauded Mars Wrigley Company for investing in Athi River and promoting development and employment for the people of Machakos.
The Governor was speaking at the 10-year anniversary celebration of the firm’s Maua entrepreneurship program at Mars Wrigley Headquarters in Athi River, where she acknowledged that 10 years is a significant milestone that shows potential for greater growth and expansion.
Wavinya said that they take pride as a county in the fact that Mars Wrigley, a company that is domiciled in the region is the world’s largest manufacturer of gum and a leader in the confectionery business.
She pointed out that she recognized the fact that the presence of Mars Wrigley in Machakos signified the growth of both direct and indirect job opportunities for Machakos residents.
“I sincerely thank the Management of Mars Wrigley because of your good working relationship with the county government and the support you have extended to the people of Machakos County,” said the Governor.
Wavinya promised that her administration intends to continue growing the mutual relationship for the benefit of Machakos residents and all the parties involved.
She noted that Enterprises and organizations that engage in honest and legal business within the county are essential in the growth of the Counties socio-economic pillar.
Wavinya added that the government cannot absorb all citizens into the public service jobs but with proper policies in place it’s possible to generate job opportunities through creating a conducive environment for investment.
The governor added that they will continue to support such enterprises through the streamlining of licensing systems and easing tax remittances to the county through automation of their systems.
“As you are aware, my government has now automated its revenue collection system thus saving you time and money that you might have been losing through inflated payments by rogue officers,” added Wavinya.
On his part Lenox Yeke who is the corporate affairs manager at Wrigley, said they have been trying to sell to the informal market and they launched a program called Maua in 2013 to help reach their customers better.
Mr. Yeke added that in the course of running the program they have partnered with entrepreneurs to sell their products where they began with 300 entrepreneurs who have grown to 1600 in 10 years.
He revealed that 40% of the entrepreneurs are women because their goal at Mars Wrigley’s is to drive gender inclusion and also the fact that women have demonstrated that they can perform well and understand their customers better.
“Women have a big impact in the society and are hardworking and most of them are supporting their families by running households and that’s why we have 40 per cent of women as entrepreneurs,” said Yeke.
Yeke said in their Maua entrepreneurship program they offer training, merchandise and branding which will help when dealing with customers. He said one can start a business with Sh50 000 or less depending on the type of business one wants to start.
Others who graced the event were the Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, Mr. Duncan McCulloch the General Manager Middle East Africa Mars Wrigley, Mr. Eduardo Salas Chief finance officer Mars Wrigley and Ismael Bello General Manager Sub Saharan Africa Mars Wrigley among other guests.
By Anne Kangero
