Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and KCB Foundation concluded a groundbreaking week-long entrepreneurship boot camp aimed at empowering young business owners in Western Kenya. The intensive training program,funded by the KCB Foundation was held at Golf Hotel Kakamega from February 24 to February 28, 2025. This boot camp marked a significant milestone in the organizations' commitment to fostering economic growth and job creation in the region. This is part of the consultancy dubbed Business Development Services (BDS) led by Prof. Charles Tibbs as the Chief Consultant, the Vice Chancellor as the Chief of Party and the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration and Finance as the Deputy Chief of Party. The partnership between MMUST and KCB Foundation is anchored in MMUST Enterprises under the leadership of CPA Michael Wanjala.
The ambitious initiative targets 25,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operated by youth aged 18-35 years, with a strong focus on gender inclusion – 85% female and 15% male participants. Through this strategic partnership, the organizations aim to create 43,163 direct and indirect employment opportunities through self-employment, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo addressing participants of the training workshop at the Golf Hotel, Kakamega
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo emphasized the university's dedication to community development beyond academic excellence. "This boot camp represents our commitment to translating knowledge into practical solutions that address unemployment and economic challenges facing our youth," stated Prof. Shibairo.
The Chief Consultant, Prof Charles Tibbs during the training workshop at the Golf Hotel, Kakamega
Professor Charles Tibbs highlighted the four key objectives of the boot camp: "We designed this program to strengthen and build management capacity of MSMEs, enable access to credit facilities, support business networking, and ultimately generate adequate employment opportunities with safe working conditions and sustainable earnings."
Throughout the week, participants engaged in interactive sessions covering business plan development, financial management, digital marketing strategies, regulatory compliance, and accessing capital. The training incorporated both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, with successful local entrepreneurs sharing their experiences and insights.
Participants of the training workshop following presentations
Participants received comprehensive training on financial management, digital marketing, business formalization, and accessing capital. Interactive sessions featuring successful entrepreneurs from the region provided practical insights and mentorship opportunities.
A section of participants of the training workshop following presentations
The partnership between MMUST and KCB Foundation represents a significant investment in the region's economic future, with organizers pledging continued support through mentorship programs and access to capital for promising ventures identified during the boot camp.
Prof. Benedict Alala while addressing participants during the workshop at Golf Hotel
The two entities outlined plans to conduct follow-up assessments to track the progress of participants and measure the impact of the training on business growth and job creation in the coming months.
