The Kabarak Strathmore University Partnership.
Kabarak and Strathmore University are in a partnership whose aim is to build the capacity of small businesses by providing training and consultancy services.
The two universities signed their partnership agreement at Kabarak University on October 3rd, 2023. The partnership’s key focus is ensuring that small businesses develop their capacities in agribusiness and the creative industry.
The partnership is part of an umbrella program by USAID titled Kenya Small Business Development Centers under the stewardship of Strathmore University Business School.
Strathmore university’s program seeks to promote both public and private sector development initiatives whose focus is on enabling small businesses to create employment opportunities and contribute to the economy’s growth.
According to Henry Kiplagat, Vice Chancellor of Kabarak University, it is the institution’s responsibility to fully support the program’s implementation in ensuring that it meets its obligations in making it possible for small businesses to seize the available opportunities. He acknowledged the partnership and highlighted its impact on the Kenyan economy regarding the country’s large number of small businesses.
Similar to the sentiments by Kabarak University VC, Strathmore University Vice Chancellor added that to empower small businesses in Kenya, it is essential to consider a multi-sectoral approach. He acknowledged small and medium-sized enterprises as critical drivers of the Kenyan economy through employment creation.
In implementing the program, USAID will be a significant financial supporter, with the two institutions being key knowledge contributors through research. The model the two institutions adapt borrows from the Kenya Small Business Development Centers program operational in the United States.
The program is already operational in many country regions, including Nakuru, Kiambu, Mombasa, and Kisumu. There are prospects of expansion into the counties of Kakamega and Busia.
The partnership will drive the two institutions to jointly conduct research and market intelligence with a focus on consumer insights, export trends, and the formation of policy briefs. The program will allow small businesses to obtain financing and develop capabilities in applying market analytics to boost business performance.
According to statistical analysis projections, close to 10,000 small businesses will benefit from opportunities that the Kenya-US trade programs present in the county of Nakuru.
The Kabarak Strathmore University Partnership.