- The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it will partner with county governments.
- KNCCI president Richard Ngatia said the funds will be available in the form of soft and hard loans.
Image: WANGECHI WANG'ONDU
Business leaders have pledged to support the government in realising its agenda of uplifting micro, small and medium enterprises.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it will partner with county governments and initiate programmes to complement government efforts.
Among such programmes is sourcing for affordable loans from financial institutions to help upcoming traders boost their businesses.
KNCCI president Richard Ngatia said the funds will be available in the form of soft and hard loans ranging from Sh10,000 to Sh10 million, depending on the beneficiary’s preferences and the needs of the business.
Under the programme, Ngatia the beneficiaries will undergo investment trainings so as to be imparted with business knowledge on how to prudently invest their money and maximise profit.
Speaking in Kirinyaga on Thursday, Ngatia further pledged that the KNCCI will help farmers across Central Kenya find external markets for their produce.
“We are in the process of holding talks with various partners from countries like Germany, Korea, Columbia and other like- minded partners so that we can embark on the process of helping our farmers sell their coffee, tea and fruits at a profit," he said.
He lauded the county governments for their efforts in providing a conducive environment for trade, a factor he said is key in opening up the rural counties.
He cited the upcoming Sagana Industrial Park in Kirinyaga as one of the ambitious projects that will enable small traders and farmers harness their potential thus get value for their sweat.
He said KNCCI fully supports the project and will seek to partner with the county government towards enhancing value addition to the agricultural produce and other raw materials.
Ngatia, who is seeking a second term, pledged to exhaustively pursue the interests of all traders once given the mandate to serve for another three years.
Among the pledges he vowed to fulfill if reelected is overseeing membership growth of KNCCI within the counties, protecting traders from exploitation through unfavourable laws, policies and exorbitant taxes; partnering with financial institutions to enhance provision of financial boost to members' businesses and partnering with the government to improve the business environment.
His running mate Abdulwalli Shariff said they are ready to face their opponents come June 8.
He said under Ngatia's leadership they aim to bring expertise and savviness in the sector that will translate into growth for the business community.
He exuded confidence and optimism that members would elect them to serve over the next three years.
KNCCI regional director George Karanja said that the region's business community comprising Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Nyeri, Nyandarua and Kiambu unanimously agreed to rally behind Ngatia owing to his impressive score card from his long experience in business.
Kirinyaga KNCCI chairperson Pauline Wangechi described Ngatia as an agent of change and a business guru who has been tested and proven to bring impactful leadership in the business sector.