Conversations around crucial topics such as tax incentives for small businesses, promotion of export trade as well as growing Agro-processing and value addition opportunities for entrepreneurs dominated discussions the whole day.
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The theme of the SME fest 2017 “sharing great ideas for greater businesses” offered the perfect opportunity for delegates from different sectors to came together under one room and network with industry leaders, policy makers, investors, entrepreneurs and development partners to address some of the challenges and milestones SMEs face in Kenya.
Dorcas Muthoni, the founder and CEO of Open World Limited who also doubles as the event organizer has been organizing the annual event for two years now.
“SME fest is a true testimony for SME for SME, this event is organized with the aim of bringing in various stake holders to see how we can create a platform that allows us to interact about SME development issues” She said in her opening Speech.
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Among the top agenda discussed was the critical role SMEs play in the growth of the Kenyan economy through creation of sustainable jobs.
Conversations around crucial topics such as tax incentives for small businesses, promotion of export trade as well as growing Agro-processing and value addition opportunities for entrepreneurs dominated discussions the whole day.
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry Of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives Hon. Adan Mohamed who was the chief guest said the government will continue to create an enabling environment for SMEs to flourish.
“The Government has under taken and will continue to pursue the support of MSMEs and the informal sector to improve the business and investment climate through trade facilitation.”
Top Industry players such as Keroche CEO, Tabitha Karanja, Parapet group of companies CEO, Alex Nyaga, Invest in Africa country director, Patricia Ithau among others were present to give survival tactics and market insights on how they have patiently nurtured their once budding SMEs to become one of the most reputable companies in Kenya.
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Tabitha Karacha gave a powerful presentation on the untold resilience of Keroche Industries.
SMEs conferences, business workshops investor Soko which covered unique networking tips were just but a few activities lined up for the two day event.
SMEs supporting partners such as Kenya Power, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Invest Africa and several financial institutions all pitched their tents at KICC to lend a listening ear and offer solutions to some of key challenges SMEs face.
