Uasin Gishu County Administration has launched the Eldoret City Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Expo 2024, themed “MSEs: Pioneers of a Green, Technologically Competitive Future,” as it anticipates the awarding of the City Charter by President William Ruto this week.
In his speech during the launch of the event at the County Headquarters, Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu Governor, Dr. Jonathan Chelilim, cited the occasion as a testament to the vibrant spirit and innovative drive of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and their commitment to making Eldoret a shining example of economic growth and innovation by showcasing what the “City of Champions” has to offer.
“The reason why we are here today for about 112 years, since 1912, is because of the business community and the reason why we are elevating to city status, is because we want to get more investors and more businesses and trading activities taking place in our town.
“You are indeed the champions, and I applaud your immense contributions toward the making of Eldoret Kenya’s fifth City,” said Dr. Chelilim.
He revealed that micro and small enterprises accounted for 85 percent of the business entities in our County, according to the Business Mapping Report conducted by the County administration in January.
The Governor noted that the enterprises significantly contributed to the county’s GDP, creating employment opportunities, providing goods and services, and driving innovation.
“I am proud to announce that our County has surpassed its revenue targets, achieving a record collection of Sh1.4 billion in the Financial Fear 2023/2024. This is a remarkable achievement, and your significant contributions have played an integral role in this success,” said the Governor.
Saying that agricultural sector is the backbone of the county’s economy with the business people being the drivers, Dr. Chelilim called on the MSMEs to take early advantage of the opportunities that would arise, as the town transitions into a city in terms of value addition and industrialization.
The Governor commended the crucial role played by women in the economy by contributing to production, value chains, supply chains, marketing, and business management, as he urged women at all levels, including in leadership positions, to drive change and reshape the conversation.
“Ensuring that women’s voices are heard and heeded to, not overlooked and ignored, is paramount. This is why I appointed Martha Cheruto, a woman of vision and determination, to head our Department of Trade, Investment, and Industrialization,” alluded Governor Chelilim.
His administration hopes to support MSMEs by creating a “favourable business environment and enhancing trade and ease of doing business through development initiatives, including the construction of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), in partnership with the National Government, which presents great opportunities for the aggregation of farmer produce, value addition, and industrialization.
He added that the upcoming Export Processing Zone (EPZ), would provide space for investors to set-up operations and fully utilize the Airport for exports and at the same time, the ultra-modern market would be a one-stop shop for consumers, accommodating up to 8,000 traders.
“To further enhance trade and facilitate MSMEs, my Administration offers affordable funding through the County Inua Biashara Fund and the County Enterprise Fund,” noted Dr. Chelilim.
Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), Regional Coordinator, Alton Kogo, explained that MSEA was created in 2012 to help the Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and regulate the entire sector.
He lauded the Expo which he said was very key in offering members of the MSMEs to showcase and promote the locally manufactured products and services across all sectors ranging from machineries, textiles, wood and furniture and others.
“Today, we have an exhibition at the Zion mall with a total of around 130 exhibitors exhibiting products which are made in Uasin Gishu County and for us even as we receive the city status, we want to project Uasin Gishu county as a county which is strong in manufacturing and production of local products so that the city can be independent,” he said.
The Eldoret City MSMEs Expo 2024, was adopted by the Planning Committee on the City Elevation Status, as the first build-up activity which will be followed by other activities like sporting events, cultural exhibition and others towards the D-day August 8th 2024, a historic day, when the municipality of Eldoret, will receive a Charter to become Kenya’s fifth city.
Others present were Deputy Governor, Eng. John Barorot, County Executives, Dr. Janet Kosgei (Lands and Physical Planning), Eng. Joseph Lagat (Roads, Transport and Public Works) and others. By Ekuwam Sylvester
