Homa Bay:Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has emphasized the government€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¦¾¢s dedication to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through financial incentives and infrastructure development.
According to Kenya News Agency, Oparanya stated that more than 20 million Kenyans are employed in the SME sector, and the government has established funds such as the Uwezo Fund, Women Fund, Youth Fund, Kenya Industrial Estates, and Kenya Development Corporation to provide financial support to these businesses.
Oparanya highlighted that the government has constructed over 400 modern markets across the country to aid SMEs and encouraged entrepreneurs to integrate technology to facilitate business transactions. His remarks were made during the second edition of Homa Bay County Juakali artisan day at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay town.
Addressing concerns about the proposed Dangote Oil refinery project in Lamu, Oparanya criticized politicians opposing the project, urging the public to reject such views. He stressed the importance of private sector involvement in development and job creation, noting that the refinery could generate 60,000 jobs during its construction phase.
Oparanya also mentioned that October is a memorial month for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and called for peace during the memorial events. On political matters, he affirmed the commitment to the broad-based government, emphasizing the need to strengthen both the ODM and UDA parties for a strong government in the next elections.
He praised Homa Bay County Women Representative Joyce Osogo for her efforts in supporting SMEs and acknowledged her office’s contribution, providing tools and equipment to various women and youth groups. The event was attended by Secretary Public Communications Patricia Odeng and other dignitaries.
