Kabarak University, NCBA launch programme to boost SME growth

• Kabarak University and NCBA Bank have launched a four-month training programme to help SMEs improve business skills and competitiveness.

• The initiative will focus on entrepreneurship, taxation, international trade, partnerships, and the use of technology to drive business growth.

By Ochola Victor

Local small and medium-sized entrepreneurs are set to benefit from a four-month business development programme launched by Kabarak University in partnership with NCBA Bank Group at the university’s Nakuru campus.

The initiative aims to equip entrepreneurs and investors with practical business skills, market knowledge, and emerging trends to help them navigate the increasingly competitive business environment.

Speaking during the launch, Kabarak University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Kiplangat said the programme was designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, noting that many start-ups fail due to inadequate business knowledge and poor market understanding.

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“Many businesses and start-ups collapse because of inadequate information and misconceptions about the business world, including challenges such as limited capital, poor management, and restricted market access. This programme seeks to equip entrepreneurs with the practical skills required to succeed in the real world,” said Prof. Kiplangat.

He also underscored the role of higher learning institutions in empowering communities through skills development beyond traditional classroom education.

NCBA General Manager for Branch Business in the Western Region, David Wasamba, urged entrepreneurs to embrace partnerships as a strategy for growth and competitiveness.

“In the world of business, partnerships are a key driver of success. Working together enables entrepreneurs to tap into new opportunities, respond to changing market demands, and bridge existing business gaps,” he said.

Wasamba further encouraged participants to leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to track market trends, improve decision-making, and enhance returns on investment.

The programme will also provide training on taxation, financial management, and international trade opportunities, including sourcing goods from global markets such as China.

Organisers say the initiative is expected to strengthen the capacity of local enterprises, improve business sustainability, and enhance their competitiveness in both local and international markets.