Huduma Kenya has launched a countrywide drive to support micro and small enterprises in growing their businesses. The initiative, which was launched in Vihiga County, aims to provide government services to entrepreneurs in their own counties. The drive was organized by the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, led by Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya.
The CEO of Huduma Kenya, Benjamin Kai Chilumo, stated that the micro and small enterprises sector is crucial to the Kenyan economy, accounting for 88 percent of businesses in the country. He noted that the small enterprise business sector contributes 40 percent of GDP and provides 84 percent of employment opportunities in Kenya. Chilumo emphasized that Huduma Kenya is committed to supporting small entrepreneurs by making it easy for them to register their businesses and providing education sessions to help them grow.
Huduma Kenya's 66 stations across the country offer all government services under one roof, making it easier for entrepreneurs to access the services they need. Chilumo asked organizations present at the forum to educate small entrepreneurs on the loans and grants available to boost their businesses. He also called for digital technology workshops for small enterprise entrepreneurs to help them leverage technology in their businesses.
The forum, which was attended by various organizations including the Nyota Fund, Saccos, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), Uwezo Fund, Social Health Authority (SHA), and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), aimed to bring together stakeholders to support micro and small enterprises. Chilumo urged the relevant organizations to teach entrepreneurs about education and advice on businesses to enhance more businesses in the country.
Chilumo also emphasized the importance of standards and product certification for small entrepreneurs, encouraging them to learn about these aspects to sell legitimate items and engage in authentic businesses. He urged the relevant organizations to teach entrepreneurs on the availability of markets, value chains, and opportunities for exportation and importation.
The event also provided an opportunity for youth beneficiaries who have benefited from government funds to showcase their success stories. Dawin Dickens from Cheptulu, a beneficiary of the Nyota project, received Sh25,000 and started a cyber cafe, employing two other people. Jackton Oktoto from Emuhaya Sub County and Francis Mudeki Jidei from Hamisi Sub County also shared their success stories, highlighting the impact of government support on their businesses.
The CEO of Huduma Kenya encouraged entrepreneurs to visit Huduma Centers, where all the required services and education are available in one building. He emphasized that Huduma Kenya is committed to helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses from small scale to large scale in Kenya. The organization invites interested parties to visit their stations, which host all organizations in one building.
Key points
- Huduma Kenya has pledged to support micro and small enterprises to grow their businesses from small scale to large scale through its 66 stations across the country.
- The micro and small enterprises sector accounts for 88 percent of businesses in Kenya and contributes 40 percent of GDP.
- Huduma Kenya offers all government services under one roof, making it easier for entrepreneurs to access the services they need.
