KISUMU, Kenya -The Kisumu County Business Incubation and Innovation Centre has been launched to provide mentorship, market access support, and skills development as a major first for local start-ups and small enterprises.
This initiative, by the county government of Kisumu, is aimed at accelerating its growth and enhancing competitiveness.
To achieve this feat, the Prof Anyang Nyong’o-led administration has cemented strategic partnerships with financial institutions to offer easily accessible and affordable credit solutions tailor-made for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili made these announcements during the “Kisumu My Pride” Entrepreneurship Clinic held at a Kisumu hotel yesterday.
“We have also undertaken zoning and upgrading of market infrastructure, including the modernisation of Kibuye Market and the commissioning of new markets such as Kombewa, Chichwa, Korowe, and Uhuru Business Park,” he shared.
Dr. Owili emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating that the county has partnered with organisations like the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to provide MSMEs with training in product quality, certification, and readiness.
The Entrepreneurship Clinic attracted a diverse group of innovators, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from the MSME ecosystem, offering valuable insights into innovation and growth strategies.
MSMEs Resilience
The forum aimed to empower local enterprises and enhance their competitiveness in both regional and national markets.
“The Kisumu MSME sector is rapidly evolving, presenting exciting opportunities for investment and trade. We are committed to supporting our traders and positioning MSMEs as key drivers of our economy,” stated Dr. Owili.
He further reiterated the administration’s dedication to partnering with development agencies.
“This is essential for providing critical business linkages, scaling production, and creating new markets for local products.”
Participants engaged in interactive sessions that focused on sustainable business models and strategies for scaling, with contributions from experts representing the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), German Cooperation (GIZ), and MEDA.
This initiative is part of broader efforts under the banners of Chieng Jamondo and Tich Kanyakla, thus reinforcing Kisumu County’s development vision encapsulated in “Kisumu My Pride.”
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism and Trade, Farida Salim, reiterated their commitment towards creating policy frameworks that nurture entrepreneurship.
The event underscored Kisumu County’s focus on innovation-driven growth, public-private collaboration, and MSME resilience as crucial components of economic transformation.
