The County Government of Uasin Gishu, through the Department of Trade and Cooperatives, has called on MSMEs to align themselves well to benefit from the ongoing construction of multi-million projects, the CAIP and EPZ, once they are rolled out.

According to County Executive Martha Cheruto, the bigger objective is to position Uasin Gishu as a county that doesn’t just produce but innovates, protects, and exports proudly.

Speaking on Monday during the launch of Intellectual Property(IP) training for MSMEs, Cheruto said the training is strategic and speaks directly to the heart of our County’s economic development agenda, adding that the guidance of the Nguzo Kumi manifesto on trade is anchored on driving sustainable economic transformation and enterprise development.

The CECM further noted that; “Economic transformation is not just about physical infrastructure or access to markets but about ideas, innovations, protecting and monetizing those ideas through Intellectual Property.”

The IP is not only the currency of innovation but a tool through which our entrepreneurs can own, safeguard, and commercialize their creativity. Whether it is a unique product design, a traditional herbal formula, a brand name, or a digital innovation, IP ensures that the creator benefits from their work.

The training will enable MSMEs to be conversant with the value of IP, comforting themselves with, among others, legal and procedural hurdles involved in registration.

At least the program is set to empower 30 carefully selected MSMEs and innovators with practical knowledge, hands-on skills, and direct support to protect their intellectual assets and use them to grow their businesses.

“Through the program, we expect to see a measurable increase in the number of local trademarks, patents, copyrights, and industrial designs registered.”

“…We also aim to strengthen our linkages with national IP agencies such as KIPI and international partners who can help us tap into global IP value chains,” added Cheruto.