Governor Jonathan Bii on Thursday graced a two-day and the first Micro and Small Enterprises(MSE) exhibition event held in Eldoret town that aimed at showcasing the excellence of Eldoret and the available business innovations as it becomes Kenya’s fifth city on August 8, 2024.

The Governor, while addressing the over 150 exhibitors drawn from diverse sectors said MSEs play a critical role in the growth of the new city, which boasts a favourable climate and is rich in innovation and technology.

“Eldoret is also a centre of academic, medical, sports, and agricultural excellence as well as a business hub in the region. Let us industrialize and make our city an industrial city,” added Bii.

The County boss also said MSMEs will benefit from the city’s expanded infrastructure, road network, airport, logistics, and availability of raw materials, particularly in agribusiness and agro-processing.

Governor Bii further noted that MSMEs and business people contributed immensely to the county’s own source revenue collection which hit a high of Sh 1.4B affirming his government commitment to ensure that business communities are incentivised for them to grow better.

He also challenged the local community to form part and parcel of the upcoming city by turning up in large numbers during the conferment exercise set for next week at Eldoret Sports Club.

CPA Alton Kogo, Head of Micro and Small Enterprises Authority(MSEA) North Rift Region said the authority is committed to supporting the MSEs to tap into these new opportunities urging the governor to make the event an identifier for the county and to be marked annually.

“We wanted to show the world by showcasing our products from diverse sectors that Eldoret is ripe and strategically located for businesses,” said Alton

CECMs Eng Joseph Lagat(Roads), Dr Janet Kosgei(Lands), COs Geoffrey Tanui(Trade), Jelagat Tirop(Sports), CPA Victorine Kapkia(Economic Planning) various Directors were among the present.