NAIROBI, Kenya, June 7 – At least 200 youthful entrepreneurs participating in the Jiinue Growth Program (JGP) received specialized business training on the first day of the inaugural Eldoret Business Summit 2024, held at Rupa Mall, Eldoret.
The two-day summit is themed “Unlocking Business Opportunities in Kenya’s New City.”
The JGP participants not only attended the training sessions but also showcased their products at exhibition booths provided under the program. The summit, officially opened by Uasin Gishu Governor His Excellency Jonathan Bii, brought together key stakeholders including business trailblazers, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.
The event, organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Uasin Gishu Chapter, included a series of trainings through the Jiinue Growth Program, implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
The program aims to bridge the funding gap for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya by combining financial support with technical assistance and fostering collaboration among various players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The training was led by Grassroots Business Fund (GBF) and included participation from six organizations: KNCCI, GROOTS, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), 4G Capital, and Powered by People (PBP).
This collaborative effort demonstrates a new approach to addressing challenges facing MSMEs in Kenya by utilizing non-traditional channels to drive sustainable growth in businesses owned and managed by young women and men entrepreneurs aged 18-35 across the country.
“Today, you have received great training from the Jiinue Growth Program. It is very rare for you to find someone to train you and to give you money. Eldoret is the home of champions and we want business champions in business as well.
As Uasin Gishu County Government, we are committed to supporting the young people through innovation hubs, agribusiness, and incubation centers which will also serve as centers of excellence,” said Governor Bii.
Jiinue Growth Program Project Manager Esther Kimani encouraged the youthful entrepreneurs to proactively engage in the five-year program to access both affordable working capital up to Sh14 million, coupled with technical assistance through the Jiinue Growth Program.
Among other leaders who graced the Jiinue Growth Training were KNCCI North Rift Regional Director Stanley Baskwony, KNCCI Uasin Gishu County Chapter Willy Kenei, Kirinyaga KNCCI Chairperson Pauline Wangeci, and Uasin Gishu County Government CECM for Trade, Industrialization, Tourism, Cooperatives, and Enterprise Development Martha Cheruto.
This initiative aims to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation while contributing to economic development. Eldoret is expected to undergo significant transformation following its elevation to city status as a regional business hub.
