2024.11.22
Training participants keenly follow the panel discussions which provided critical insights into the challenges MSMEs face and outlined necessary interventions to enhance support for the sector.
The 3rd Annual Result Dissemination Seminar for the JICA Project on Enhancing Enterprise Competitiveness took place on November 20th in Nairobi. The Kenya Institute of Business Training (KIBT), under the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, served as the project’s counterpart. The event attracted over 130 participants, including MSME manufacturers, government officials, media representatives, and development partners.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Patrick Nyakundi, Director of KIBT, expressed heartfelt gratitude for JICA’s invaluable support in strengthening MSME competitiveness not only within Kenya but also across regional and global markets. Mr. Makoto Shinkawa, Chief Representative of JICA Kenya Office, highlighted the achievements of this collaborative initiative and underscored the importance of sustained engagement and innovation to drive enterprise growth.
Mr. Patrick Nyakundi, Director of KIBT, delivers opening remarks at the 3rd Annual Result Dissemination Seminar.
The seminar spotlighted the inspiring success stories of Glerian Limited (Hygiene) and Hudson Furnishings (Furniture), among 48 companies participating in the project across Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Eldoret. These 48 companies benefitted from consultancy services focused on Quality and Productivity Improvement, Marketing and Sales, and Financial Management. Guided by expert advice, they adopted transformative business practices, including goal setting, systematic problem-solving, continuous improvement (Kaizen), enhanced customer relations, regular financial analysis, and mid-term financial planning. The results were striking: a 10.6% increase in revenue and a 17.8% growth in employee numbers, underscoring the project’s tangible impact on fostering business growth and resilience.
A major milestone of the project was the delivery of nearly 3,000 business consultancy and training sessions to MSMEs over three years. These servicees were provided by 36 Master Trainers and 80 Trainers, trained through the project, sourced from both public and private development organizations.
The event also featured a panel discussion with some of key partners, including the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE). The panelists shared critical insights into the challenges MSMEs face and outlined necessary interventions to enhance support for the sector. Other key partner, such as Start and Improve Your Business Africa Limited (SIYB), also contributed their expertise, reinforcing a collective commitment to advancing MSME growth and sustainability.
Panel discussion with key partners: including the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE).
The seminar demonstrated the transformative impact of collaborative efforts in empowering Kenyan MSMEs to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic market.
The Standard: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001506712/jica-backed-training-drive-aims-to-improve-sme-operations
STAR: https://www.the-star.co.ke/business/2024-11-21-poor-business-plans-blamed-for-msme-funding-woes
Business Day Africa: https://businessdayafrica.org/consistent-improvements-drive-revenues-retains-staff-survey-shows/
The 254 Report: https://the254report.beehiiv.com/p/fast-tracking-industrial-development-in-kenya
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