Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary(CS) Wycliffe Oparanya has reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises(SMEs) through financial incentives.

Oparanya said over 20 million Kenyans were earning a living from the sector and the government had established various funds for supporting the businesses.

“Our entrepreneurs can source financial support from the Uwezo Fund, Women Fund, Youth Fund, the Kenya Industrial Estates, Kenya development corporation amongst others,” he said.

The CS He added that the government has built over 400 modern market across the country to support the SMEs. He noted that technology was central in the running of SMEs and urged the entrepreneurs to embrace tech to ease business transactions.

The CS made the remarks during the second edition of Homa Bay county Juakali artisan day at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay town.

He told off those who have raised issues with the proposed Dangote Oil refinery project in Lamu. “It is unfortunate that we have such politicians who are hell-bent on driving away investors from the country, please tell them off, if they come to you seeking votes” Oparanya said.

The CS said that private sector participation was very critical as the engine of development and job creation. “The Dangote Oil refinery will transform the country with the projected creation of 60,000 jobs during construction,” he added.

Oparanya said October is the memorial month for the late former Prime minister Raila Odinga and urged the locals to maintain peace during the memorial activities.

On politics, the CS said that they were in the broad based government to stay. He added, “We must ensure that both the ODM and UDA parties are strengthened to form a strong government after next year’s elections.”

He hailed Homa Bay County Women Representative Joyce Osogo for mobilizing resources to support SMEs across the county.

During the ceremony, the office of the Women Representative supported various women and youth groups with tools and equipment for running business like welding The ceremony was also attended by the Secretary Public Communications Patricia Odeng amongst other dignitaries.

by Davis Langat