Nairobi City County Staff Complete ILO-SIYB Training of Trainers Program, Paving the Way for Biashara Stimulus Programme Rollout

In a significant milestone for Nairobi’s economic growth, the Institute of Certified SIYB Trainers (ICST) successfully concluded a highly impactful Training of Trainers (TOT) program in collaboration with the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG). The comprehensive training, aimed at equipping county staff with essential skills and knowledge to drive the Biashara Stimulus Programme, reached its conclusion on December 20 with a well-attended closing ceremony that celebrated the dedication and achievements of the participants.

The training, which began with an inaugural session in early December, was designed to empower county officials to effectively implement the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training methodology, a critical component of the Biashara Stimulus Programme. This program is a cornerstone initiative to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSEs) in Nairobi, with a focus on fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing access to affordable credit, and promoting sustainable business growth across the city.

The program’s early stages were marked by a visit from Dr. Julius Mutio, Senior Technical Advisor at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), on December 19. Dr. Mutio’s visit was a pivotal moment in the training, as he engaged with the participants, underscoring the importance of thorough preparation for trainers. He emphasized that mastering the SIYB training content is essential not only for building confidence but also for ensuring that entrepreneurs receive the best guidance in their business ventures. “Effective trainers create confident entrepreneurs,” Dr. Mutio stated. He further encouraged the participants to adhere strictly to the SIYB framework to maximize the program’s impact, emphasizing its potential to transform businesses and contribute significantly to Nairobi’s economic development.

Dr. Mutio’s words served as an inspiration, motivating the trainers to approach their roles with diligence and dedication. His encouragement reinforced ICST’s mission to build a network of qualified trainers who would, in turn, mentor a new generation of entrepreneurs. The ILO’s technical expertise and support played a vital role in ensuring the TOT program’s success, with Dr. Mutio’s leadership helping set the stage for the impactful work ahead.

On the final day of training, the closing ceremony on December 20 was attended by key leaders from Nairobi City County Government, further elevating the event’s significance. The attendees included Dr. Anastasia Nyalita, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Business and Hustler Opportunities, who lauded the efforts of the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the program. Also present were Eunice Kariuki, Director of the Governor’s Delivery Unit, and Julius Karina, Director of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development. The leadership team was joined by Geoffrey Kilonzo, ICST’s Master Trainer and CEO, as well as Dr. Sam Gachini, Co-Trainer, and DoITinAfrica CEO, Salome Mburu. Together, they marked a momentous occasion in Nairobi’s ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurship and economic growth.

During the ceremony, Master Trainer Geoffrey Kilonzo expressed deep gratitude to the participants for their commitment and resilience. He commended the Nairobi City County staff for their exceptional ability to overcome challenges and their unique approach to problem-solving, which sets them apart from other counties in Kenya. His motivational remarks resonated with the attendees, instilling a sense of pride in their work and the significant role they would play in the success of the Biashara Stimulus Programme.

Director Julius Karina took the opportunity to highlight the importance of the comprehensive training manuals provided to participants during the program. He urged them to view themselves as the “first disciples” of the program, emphasizing that their ability to effectively utilize these resources would be key to laying the foundation for the Biashara Stimulus Programme’s success. “You are the ones who will make the difference,” Karina said, stressing that their efforts would have a lasting impact on the entrepreneurs they train in the coming months.

Eunice Kariuki, Director of the Governor’s Delivery Unit, further encouraged the participants to sustain their enthusiasm and commitment as they prepared for the official launch of the Biashara Stimulus Programme. She highlighted the crucial role of effective on-the-ground implementation and urged the trainers to remain focused on the ultimate goal: empowering MSEs in Nairobi through the application of practical, results-driven business strategies. “We are counting on you to bring this vision to life,” Kariuki stated.

Dr. Nyalita, the CECM for Business and Hustler Opportunities, delivered the final remarks at the ceremony. She expressed her admiration for the diversity of expertise within the December 2024 cohort, noting the invaluable contributions made by each participant. Nyalita emphasized the importance of collaboration, stressing that the sharing of ideas and experiences among the trainers would play a key role in the program’s success. She also acknowledged the mentorship process learned during the training, which aligns with the Governor’s manifesto to enhance access to affordable credit and build the capacity of MSEs across Nairobi.

“Through your efforts, we are creating a stronger business ecosystem in Nairobi,” Dr. Nyalita said. “We are building a network of leaders who will not only support entrepreneurs but also inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

The ceremony concluded with celebratory remarks and a photo session, marking a significant milestone in Nairobi’s ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development. The successful completion of the TOT program underscores the county’s dedication to ensuring that the Biashara Stimulus Programme will be effectively implemented and will have a meaningful impact on local businesses.

As Nairobi prepares for the official rollout of the Biashara Stimulus Programme, the county leadership and ICST are confident that the newly trained network of trainers will be instrumental in driving the success of this initiative. With the right resources, mentorship, and a dedicated team of trainers, the program promises to empower MSEs, enhance access to affordable credit, and contribute to the sustainable economic growth of Nairobi City County.

The Biashara Stimulus Programme is poised to be a game-changer for local entrepreneurs, and the successful completion of the ILO-SIYB Training of Trainers program is a crucial step in realizing its full potential. The Nairobi City County Government and ICST’s ongoing partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating an enabling environment for business growth, innovation, and economic prosperity.