Kericho: In a concerted effort to strengthen the Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) sector, the County Government of Kericho, through its Department of Trade, Industrialization, Innovation, Wildlife, and Tourism, teamed up with Stanbic Bank Kenya and Kenya Industrial Estates to equip women entrepreneurs with vital financial and business management skills.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training, held at the Sunshine Upper Hill Hotel in Kericho, aimed at enhancing financial literacy and business management skills, was officially inaugurated by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, John Cheruiyot. He was joined by Stanbic Bank Kericho Branch Manager, Mr. Boncary Imbuga.
In his address, Cheruiyot reaffirmed the county's commitment to supporting women-led businesses through enhanced access to capital and financial education. 'Our partnership with Stanbic Bank and Kenya Industrial Estates is designed to ensure that women entrepreneurs can access affordable financing, gain critical business skills, and scale their enterprises effectively,' he stated.
The CECM emphasized that the county government, through its enterprise fund, has established mechanisms to provide financial support to women's groups and individual entrepreneurs. 'We recognize the challenges women in business face, especially regarding access to credit, and through this initiative, we are working to eliminate these barriers and create an enabling business environment,' added Cheruiyot.
Stanbic Bank Kericho Branch Manager, Imbuga, underscored the bank's dedication to empowering women in business, noting that financial inclusion is a key driver of economic growth. 'Stanbic Bank is committed to providing tailored financial solutions that cater to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs. We believe that by equipping them with the right tools and knowledge, they can build sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy,' he said.
The training covered essential topics such as financial management, business planning, marketing strategies, and accessing credit facilities, with the sessions providing practical insights on how women can leverage financial resources to expand their enterprises.
In attendance at the event were Trade Chief Officer Willy Rop, Chief of Staff Geoffrey Koech, Dorine Nalo, Head of Programs at Stanbic Foundation, Head of Business Advisory Services at Kenya Industrial Estates Joseph Ayeko, and Legal Advisor Doris Ngeno, who reiterated the county government's commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial culture through continuous training and financial support programs.
One of the participants, Jane Chepkwony, a small-scale trader, expressed her gratitude for the initiative. 'This training has been an eye-opener, and I have learned new ways to manage my finances and grow my business. The support from the county government and Stanbic Bank gives us hope that we can achieve greater heights,' said Chepkwony.
The partnership between Kericho County, Stanbic Bank, and Kenya Industrial Estates marks a significant step towards strengthening the MSE sector, particularly for women entrepreneurs. By providing both financial and capacity-building support, the initiative aims to spur economic growth and improve livelihoods in the region.