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KNCCI- Vihiga Chapter is one of the 47 Chapters of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry that were inaugurated after the 2010 Constitution. As a membership-based trade support organization, the chamber works to protect commercial and industrial interests of business community across Kenya. KNCCI advocates for the creation of a favourable commercial, trade and investment environment that supports enterprise expansion. The membership of KNCCI-VIHIGA chapter constitutes over 2500 small, micro enterprises (MSEs) and medium enterprises. The mission of the chamber is to facilitate and promote a sustainable business environment for economic growth and prosperity and also Promote trade within and outside Kenya.
In 2023, the Vihiga Chapter signed an MOU with the County Government of Vihiga to champion for enterprise development and growth. In the light of the MOU, KNCCI-VIHIGA chapter became an integral player in the County hosting 690,000 people, with close to 80% of the population relying on agriculture as a source of livelihood.
The Vihiga County Business Awards, organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), aims to recognize, appreciate and celebrate outstanding businesses and outstanding entrepreneurs. These awards will spotlight excellence across various industries, thereby promoting innovation, competitiveness, and the overall growth of the local economy. By acknowledging the contributions of local businesses, the awards will motivate enterprises to strive for higher standards, enhance customer service, and foster sustainable practices.
Problem Statement
The County Business Environment for MSEs (CBEM) framework1 developed by Kenya Institute of Public Policy and Research in 2019 to monitor key issues that require policy interventions in creating an enabling environment for the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) sector in the counties identified that Vihiga County underperformed in creating an enabling environment for MSEs to thrive. Key areas of consideration were worksites and adequacy of MSEs infrastructure; Market environment; Financial and technical capacity; and Governance and regulatory framework. In addition to MSEs, the county also has medium enterprises and a few large business establishments.
Vihiga County, like many other regions in Kenya, faces several business challenges, including:
● Limited Visibility, recognition and support for local businesses, especially SMEs despite their critical role in job creation and economic growth: Over 80% of businesses in Vihiga County are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), yet they often operate with minimal recognition and support from key stakeholders, including government and investors.
● Slow adoption of innovative technologies and best practices due to limited exposure and mentorship opportunities.
● Insufficient motivation for businesses to enhance operational excellence and customer service due to lack of recognition and reward systems.
Without adequate support, many businesses in the county remain stagnant, and key sectors such as agribusiness, financial services, and tourism underperform compared to their potential. This event aims to address these gaps by creating a platform for recognition, networking, fostering healthy competition and encouraging the adoption of best practices.
Objectives of the Business Awards
The overall objective is to recognize, appreciate, celebrate and award outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs and business enablers and facilitators within the County that contribute significantly towards socio-economic development of the County.
Specifically, the KNCCI Vihiga County Awards aims to; -
1) To recognize, elevate, honour and celebrate businesses and individuals who demonstrate excellence in their respective sectors.
2) To motivate and inspire business owners and entrepreneurs to improve their products, services, and operations.
3) To provide an opportunity for business owners, investors, and government officials to network, share insights, and build lasting partnerships.
4) To promote the growth of SMEs by fostering innovation, technology adoption, and operational efficiency.
1 KIPPRA Policy Brief (2019-2020), Available at: https://repository.kippra.or.ke/bitstream/handle/123456789/2235/Vihiga%20County%20MSEs-%20Policy%20Brief.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
