Gov't to create mobile apps to improve digital marketing for Kenyan traders - CS Simon Chelugui

Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui has affirmed the government’s commitment to support Kenyans engaged in various artisan works across the country.

Speaking on Monday during the Kigumo basket weavers’ expo and fundraiser, Chelugui noted that there are plans to establish various mobile applications to help bolster digital marketing in the country.

He also urged artisans to form cooperatives to access financial assistance from the government, saying farmers especially those in coffee, dairy and avocado are getting a huge boost from government funds.

The CS further noted that through agencies like Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), the National Youth Opportunities  Towards Advancement Project (NYOTA) and the Hustler Fund, the government is committed to promoting MSMEs through funding, training and capacity building as part of the Bottom Up Economic Transmission Agenda (BETA).

His sentiments were echoed by his Gender counterpart  Aisha Jumwa who said that the livelihoods of women will be uplifted by the Uwezo Fund, a programme aimed at enabling women, youth and persons with disabilities to access finances.

She urged women who have majored in weaving activities to source financial support from the fund.

Jumwa added that her ministry has also developed the Sanaa Application which was created to help various women groups market their products.

She propounded that marketing through the internet is more profitable as the mode locks out brokers in the value chain.

To allow women groups access raw materials for making their products, Jumwa added that her ministry is working to ensure funds are allocated in the next national budget.

On her part, Lands CS Alice Wahome noted that by joining cooperatives, the artisans will also have opportunities to access various government funds.

Wahome promised to source funds for the completion of two markets in Kigumo Constituency at Muthithi and Kangari areas to promote trading activities.

The event was organised by nominated Senator Veronica Maina who asserted that her main aim is to see women’s products marketed, saying women have been weaving quality baskets for many years without better gains.

She expressed confidence that funds raised in the event will go a long way to help the members of the group in accessing raw materials for basket weaving.