Timely information key to success of SMEs, says CS Adan Mohammed

Industrialisation and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed says scanty information about markets is stopping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from taking advantage of emerging opportunities locally and internationally.

The CS says the informal sector, where majority of SMEs fall, contributes about 30 per cent of the country’s GDP and hence the need to accord it the necessary information for growth.

The CS was speaking yesterday in Nairobi when he launched the second edition of The SME Handbook, which is a one-stop shop reference document for all providers offering business services to SMEs in the country.

The book, which will be distributed through national and county governments business information centres as well as other apex business member organisations, has been published by the Small and Medium Enterprise’s East Africa in collaboration with the ministry and other key stakeholders such as UNDP, Kenya Power, KEBS, Kepsa, Equip Africa, KAM and MSE Authority.

"The handbook has been aligned with the Industrialisation blueprint recently launched by the ministry. It is a comprehensive catalogue of information, products and services for small business entrepreneurs in Kenya," said the CS.

He explained that the handbook has special business information for small business owners reflecting the current dynamics of the ever-growing information needs by the SME owners. “Lack of information has been greatest challenge for start-ups, but the book has provided most of the vital information required by players in the informal sector."

He added that the sector forms the bedrock of the industrialisation process and is key to addressing youth unemployment.

The handbook also gives information on services offered by county governments.

Nairobi County Deputy governor Jonathan Mueke said the county government is working on making business licensing easy for existing and new entrepreneurs through automation of permits issuance processes.

UNDP National programme coordinator Martin Wanjohi said SMEs create about 80 per cent of the countries’ jobs. He explained that the UN agency is working closely with MSEA to ensure Biashara Centres - business information Centres - are working across all the 47 counties.