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Agripreneur Model Launch

PS Mang'eni at the launch of the Agripreneur Model
Delegates present at the Agripreneur Model
PS MSMEs delivers speech at the Agripeneur Model in Busia
Delegates present at the Agripreneur Model hosted in Busia
MSMEs present at the Agripreneur Model showcase their products
PS MSMEs Development Hon. Mang'eni delivers speech
Hon. Mang'eni delivers speech at the Agripreneur event
Principal Secretary Hon. Susan Mang'eni delivers speech at the event
PS MSMEs pose for a photo alongside other delegates
PS MSMEs visits MSMEs stands
MSMEs at the Agripreneur Model in Busia showcase their products

Agripreneur Model Launch

News / Fri, 03/07/2025 - 20:16

Today, the Principal Secretary for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Susan Mangeni, graced the launch of the Agripreneur Model and issued 35 SACCOs across the county with grants totaling Ksh. 24.5 million at Busia ATC Grounds.
The grant, amounting to Ksh. 24.5 million, is intended to boost the working capital of SACCOs, enhancing market access and value addition for smallholder farmers and small businesses women across the county.

The Agripreneur Model is an initiative by the County Government of Busia, in partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP). The initiative aims to boost SACCOs, empower smallholder farmers, and strengthen the cooperative sector in Busia County.

This launch marks a significant milestone in our journey toward strengthening cooperative societies, revitalizing the ward-based agricultural economy, and improving livelihoods in Busia County and the region.

During the launch, a total of 35 SACCOs benefited from the Financial Inclusion Grant, while 245 Agripreneurs also received support.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, who in USA for Ministerial duties, PS Mang'eni acknowledged the pivotal role played by SACCOs in providing access to affordable credit and organizing farmers into structured and focused units. She emphasized the importance of interventions such as de-risking mechanisms and financial support to strengthen SACCOs.

Additionally, the PS highlighted that the Kenya Jobs Economic Transformation (KJET) program aims to empower youth and promote rural industrialization.

She commended the World Bank’s contribution, noting its vital role in supporting SACCOs and value chain development.

Busia, as the gateway to East and Central Africa, plays a crucial role in trade, with the government targeting exports worth Ksh. 150 billion in edible oils and other agricultural products. The PS urged residents to actively participate in the county’s economic development agenda.

Furthermore, she reiterated that each ward should function as an economic development unit, fostering cottage industries to engage Generation Z in economic activities. She called upon leaders to support SACCOs and encouraged members to form groups within their SACCOs to establish ward-based apex SACCOs and smaller associations.

In her closing remarks, the PS urged SACCOs to prioritize capacity building and operate as sustainable enterprises rather than relying on free money.

She encouraged stakeholders to leverage value chains, tap into available opportunities, and utilize KJET to build capacity for long-term growth and economic transformation.

However the PS urged the busia cross border traders who were in doing their business in the gazetted public land to vacate with immediate effect to pave way for the commencement of Trade Mark east africa market.

Busia deputy governor Arthur Odera, who represent busia governor Dr. Paul Otuoma said that busia county government is in fully support of the programme by ensuring that it fillfull the mandate of empowering the youths and women in busia economically.