The project team leads; Vice Chancellor- Prof. Solomon Shibairo and Prof. Charles Tibbs.
Researchers from the School of Business and Economics (SOBE) at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology have secured a consultancy deal valued at $66,667 (approximately KSH 8.6 million) with the KCB Foundation and the MasterCard Foundation. This partnership will see SOBE conduct a series of studies aimed at driving innovation, financial inclusion and economic empowerment across Kenya. The researchers will also provide Business Development Services to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Kakamega Region.
The team leads are the Vice Chancellor- Prof. Solomon Shibairo (Chief of Party) and Prof. Charles Tibbs. Associate Consultants who are part of the bid include Prof. Robert Egessa, Prof. Benedict Alala, Dr. Moses Ngoze, Dr. Kelvin Machuki, Dr. Reuben Rutto, Dr. Jackline Odero, DDr. Dennis Bulla, Dr. Rosemary Nanyama, Dr. Simon Mamadi, CPA Jared Rading, CPA Michael Wanjala and CPA Patrick Kivale.
This Consultancy, which seeks to create jobs and targets to reach youth beneficiaries aged 18-34 years, is part of a national assignment funded by the two partners. It is aimed at upscaling the ‘2jiajiri project.’ The assignment will involve provision of business development services for trainees who are willing to be supported to start and grow their businesses. This will contribute towards the creation of at least 28,000 new jobs which is expected to be achieved through selection and training of 14,105 MSMEs out of which 2,812 will be facilitated to access finance to boost their businesses. The project will cover Kakamega, Mumias and Webuye towns and their environs with 465 MSMEs being targeted in these areas.
The key objectives of the project include Conducting training and Business Development Needs assessment; Development and deployment Business Development (BDS)/ enterprise development curriculum and training materials; Conducting BDS boot camp training and Offering Mentorship and coaching to MSMEs. Certainly, successful conclusion of this assignment will enhance MSMEs managerial capacity and entrepreneurship in the country.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Linet Owuor
