Isiolo youth, SMEs trained on how to turn policies into profit

Eunice Mburu, CEO  of 20X Entrepreneur, speaking with youth SMEs during the training in Isiolo.

More than 500 youth and micro-entrepreneurs from Isiolo County have been trained on how to adapt in their business ventures and turn policies into profits even as the markets shift.

The training was organised by a non-governmental organisation known as 20X Entrepreneur, a business accelerator that trains and supports micro-SMEs on business processes and growth.

During the workshop dubbed ‘Chanuka Jipange na Business Opportunities’-" Beyond the Noise", the trainers delivered the entrepreneurs practical lessons aimed at multiplying income twenty-fold by adding value and diversifying.

Speaking during the training held at Isiolo town, Eunice Mburu, CEO — 20X Entrepreneur, urged the traders and the youth to spot opportunities by understanding and aligning with government policies, listening to complaints, and identifying market gaps. “It would be helpful if the young generation would take responsibility instead of blaming government, family, or friends,” she said.

The training also emphasised resilience. Studies show about 1.5 million Kenyans fall into poverty each year due to out-of-pocket hospital bills. Trainers reminded participants to keep their Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions up to date, as cover cushions businesses from collapse when illness strikes.

“Insurance is the only product you buy when you don’t need it, because when you need it, it may not be available. If not SHA, then choose private cover, but don’t leave your business exposed,” she emphasised.

The trainers also told the traders that every new government moves resources toward some sectors and away from others. They urged the entrepreneurs to position themselves to benefit with the policies by the current regime.

Trainers connected the program directly to Isiolo’s camel-milk and meat sectors that support over 10,000 people, the renewed focus on the Isiolo export abattoir and major infrastructure such as the affordable housing projects and the markets.

Many participants said they will no longer be boxed into a job but will diversify or pivot their businesses to plugging into camel-milk aggregation, meat processing logistics, affordable houses, roadside trade along new highways, and even opportunities abroad. “I will diversify into side hustles, agribusiness and even tourism ventures,” James Kairuki, a participant, said.

With Kenya facing a cost-of-living squeeze and public scepticism toward government projects, the Isiolo training reframed national investments as launch pads for individual entrepreneurship.