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State to launch business development centres

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Published on Wednesday, 03 September 2008 17:56

District Business Solution Centres will be launched in all districts to help promote entrepreneurship, Trade Minister Uhuru Kenyatta has said. Kenyatta, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister said pilot centres are operational in Siaya and Bungoma Districts.

He revealed this in a speech read on his behalf by assistant Minister Omingo Magara during an investors’ conference at Tabaka, in Gucha District on Tuesday. He said the centres would among other things, offer services including business development skills, identify opportunities and market information.

He said Kisii has numerous products which if well marketed would improve the region’s economy. The Minister said investors were interested in partnerships in soapstone, coffee and horticulture sub-sectors. He said his Ministry would offer support in product development and marketing through the Export Promotion Council. He urged traders to produce high quality products that would compete effectively in the global and regional markets.

adding value

"The Government will support any business person interested in these markets," said the Minister. Over 400 participants attended the conference which brought together experts from the banking industry, local, foreign investors and soapstone dealers. Gucha South DC Elias Kithaura, decried lack of value addition in local products.

"By not adding value, we are exporting jobs to other parts of the world," said the DC. Magara said the State would create an enabling environment to tap potential of local entrepreneurs. "Sharing information is a tool for development. Let this be a starting point," said Magara. Magara said more investors were required in the soapstone mining and carving.