Special groups to benefit from Embu’s business expo


BY CORRESPONDENT

People with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups will have an opportunity to exhibit their products, services and talents in an upcoming Special Groups Business Expo in Embu town.
The expo to be held at the Embu Talent Academy on July 5 will also acquaint the special groups with knowhow on applying for government tenders and securing funding.

According to the organiser, Rindi Group Ltd, the expo will be the first of its kind in the country targeting only the special interest groups.

Wangui Kaweru, the Rindi Group CEO, said even though Government rules stipulate that 30 percent of its Procurement opportunities be reserved for women, youth and persons with disabilities, many in the target groups lack the know how or resources to utilize the opportunity.

Ms Kaweru calls on the government to facilitate the special groups by easing access to funds set for them such as the Youth Fund.

She says financial institutions, on their part, should allowing LPOs to guarantee loans while county governments should come up with revolving funds to finance tenders.

Ms Kaweru observes that most financial institutions are reluctant in financing LPOs except those for businesses in the construction industry.

“Most of the youth, women and people with disabilities are doing general supplies. Where will they get the money to do LPO financing if the Youth Fund and other financial institutions do not fund them?” she poses and calls for deliberate action to solve it.

The CEO further expressed confidence that a Bill before the National Assembly seeking to set a maximum of 90 days to pay suppliers would help the special groups who suffer a lot as they wait even for a year to get paid.

Ms Kaweru said the expo will provide a platform for the special groups to meet and engage policy makers, financial institutions and other stakeholders on addressing the challenges faced in accessing government tenders.

“The expo will provide an avenue for them to create networks as well as grow their entrepreneurial skills,” she says adding that they expect about 400 exhibitors and an audience of around 4,000 people.

Embu Trade Executive Dr Jamleck Muturi said county government will nurture the products and talents exhibited at the expo so that they appeal even to the international market.

He said the county is working with the women, youth and persons with disabilities especially in areas such as ICT, recycling and value addition of fresh farm produce such as milk and fruits.

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