The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Uasin Gishu Chapter Request to Governor Bii Alias Koti Moja

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Chairman Willy Kenei now wants Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii to create a conducive environment for business people to work in.

Speaking during the Uasin Gishu Chapter Chamber of Commerce and Industry meeting Kenei said this will attract more investors to invest in the County.

“We wish to work with the county government of Uasin Gishu led by governor Jonathan Bii to provide investment information to local and foreign investors let’s sit together and know which areas we can prioritize for the betterment of our County. We also wish the County Assembly to FastTrack Public Partnership Policy which will help in engaging the government as private sectors,” said Kenei.

Kenei said they support the conferment of Eldoret to city status and that there should be good political goodwill from both the County and National Government for it to happen.

“We are also calling on Governor Bii when having business delegations outside the country to give us the opportunity to accompany him since if you don’t expose a business person there is no deal which will happen,” said the Uasin Gishu Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) boss.

He also called for the establishment of Uasin Gishu Investment Committee we support and the County Budget and Economic Forum which is none existent in the County.

“When appointing directors that require private sector kindly take some of us as members to give our input on the same,” he said.

Kenei called on governor Bii’s government to work closely with the National Government as one team to create a good working environment for investors.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) boss Uasin Gishu chapter said during COVID-19 pandemic they donated free products to vulnerable in society by giving them food items.

“We also had a Master Card Loan in which through the chamber we were able to give youths and women in Uasin Gishu around 18 million Kenya shillings which they did not need to have security and there was no interest, that was a big success to us as the chamber of commerce,” he said.
Kenei further revealed that they will have a major exhibition on 8th of December in Eldoret which will bring many investors outside Kenya.

Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii alias Koti Moja who was present during the meeting outlined his plans for the business community.

Announcing a raft of measures the governor highlighted the role played by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and promised to enable a friendly business environment to ensure their sustainability.

“Kenya’s fast-growing economy recognizes the role of SMEs as a critical sector that employs the majority of our young people of all gathers subsequently providing the stability in income generation per household. My government will create a friendly business environment through the provision of security and infrastructure ensures SMEs join Sacco’s so as to benefit from county enterprise fund and the inua Biashara fund loans.” Said Jonathan Bii.

On advancing trade and relations in Uasin Gishu County, the governor promised to create a database for business people where they can showcase their products to both local and international audiences.

“Establish Uasin Gishu county economic forum which will create a platform for all business stakeholders to share ideas on the best business models. This will accelerate trade and entrepreneurship and create a marketing database website for locally produced goods and services, facilitating members of KNCCI to participate in local, regional, and international trade fairs and exhibitions. This will provide an interactive platform for sharing knowledge and ideas on advancing trade in Uasin Gishu County and beyond.” Noted Bii.

Promising to automate revenue collection, the governor also highlighted the need for a friendly business environment for the youths and vulnerable groups while also developing a flexible license plan for them.

“ It is very important to note as we endeavor to ensure ease of doing business, my government will ensure full automation of its revenue collection in all the revenue streams sources. We will ensure a flexible license payment plan for youth and vulnerable group start-ups. My government will focus on strengthening capacity on SMEs to address the value chain which shall need to start up of small manufacturing cottage industries within the county.” Claimed the governor.

Creating a market for the Jua Kali industry both locally and internationally was also among the cards. Promising to revamp the once roaring textile and manufacturing industries within the country to ensure better performance.

“This government seeks to develop linkages and partnerships with local and international investors to revamp vibrant industries within Uasin Gishu such as KenKnit, Rupa, textile, etc. We will further promote linkages of industries in the county. I, therefore, welcome you to partner with us. My government will establish village-based open markets and agro-processing centers to promote cottage industries inwards. We will support the Jua kali sector by marketing their products both locally and internationally as well as ensuring they have a favorable environment to work from.” He rallied.

On the importance of the international airport, the governor said “The role of Eldoret International airport cannot be over-emphasized. We have witnessed the steady growth of both human and cargo traffic in the past. We hope to work together on the export of fresh produce, especially horticulture exports. Uasin Gishu County has enormous tourist potential and products that if well developed and promoted have the capacity to turn around the social-economic status of the county.

Sports tourism, Agri tourism, medical tourism, and bird watching. I urge the chamber to be at the forefront in marketing our county as a potential tourism destination.” Added the county head.
“I urge the business community in Uasin Gishu to enroll as members of KNCCI even as we endeavor to grow businesses together. My government promises to offer all the necessary support to the chamber of commerce Uasin Gishu chapter.” He concluded.

He also promised to address all the issues raised by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)