Mbale: The Vihiga County Government, on Friday, hosted the first-ever Vihiga Biz Connect MSMEs Exhibition at the municipal grounds in Mbale town. The landmark event brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs, innovators, and small-scale traders from across the county in a vibrant showcase of local talent and products.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exhibition aimed to promote entrepreneurship, especially among the youth, by providing a platform for networking, innovation, and market access. The inaugural exhibition displayed diverse business ventures ranging from agribusiness and handicrafts to renewable energy solutions and digital technologies.
In his keynote address, Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo underscored the importance of skills development and self-employment as key drivers of economic growth and improved living standards. 'We must develop practical skills, get into business, add value to our products, and market them effectively. Waiting on the national government to create jobs for us is not sustainable - it starts with us,' he said.
The governor further highlighted that the county had strengthened investment in technical and vocational training, citing institutions such as Kaimosi National Polytechnic, Lutego Vocational Centre, Chanzeiwa, Ebukanga, and the upcoming facility in Luanda as part of a broader strategy to empower the youth. Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo echoed the call for economic self-reliance, encouraging residents to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to better living standards. 'Business is not just about profit - it's about improving our quality of life and driving community transformation,' he remarked.
One of the exhibitors, Peter Mwaura of Jiko Kisasa, noted the event's effectiveness in community outreach and product visibility. 'The turnout has been incredible. We've sold several of our energy-saving cooking stoves and received direct feedback from potential users. This kind of engagement is invaluable,' said Mwaura.
Organizers hailed the event as a major success and expressed hope that it will become an annual event to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through access to training, markets, and investment opportunities.