Investment and Trade CS Rebecca Miano has launched the Karibu Business Support Center to support budding and established traders, entrepreneurs and investors in Kenya.
Speaking during the launch on April 15, Miano said the Center will bring together the 20 scattered state agencies in the ministry under one roof hence easing service delivery.
She said part of the plan is to expose the local business owners to the regional and global markets.
“Facilitation of business enterprise access to the regional and global market. This will offer you (local entrepreneurs) trade facilitation services in one stop arrangement and after care services,” Miano said.
Besides, the Center will promote business linkages between the government and private sector, as well as business to business.
Miano explained that the Center will offer advisory services on manufacturing, investment, and trade.
According to the CS, Karibu Business Center will also facilitate the collection and dissemination of business information to entrepreneurs.
“We launch one of the support initiatives geared towards achieving our main objective of promoting and facilitating domestic and foreign investment, improving trade, and increasing exports,” the CS said.
How Karibu Business Support Center Promotes Ministries’ Goals
Miano emphasized that the Center aligns with the objectives of her ministry which includes facilitation of both domestic and foreign direct investments.
She added that the Center will also increase the contribution of domestic trade and manufacturing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Kenya’s aspiration of attaining the status of a newly industrialized country by the year 2030 is premised on the creation of cumulative and sustainable trade, investments, and industrial activities,” she said.
“This calls for efforts to create a conducive environment for business and investment opportunities to be conceived and grown as viable entities.”
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The CS said President William Ruto recognizes the pivotal role played by businesses in driving the country’s economic growth of Kenya.
Miano stated that the government also recognizes the need for an efficient and streamlined service provision that facilitates business establishment and growth.
She explained that complex web of business regulations and procedures required to do business in Kenya pose a challenge to entrepreneurs and investors.
Online Portal & Location of Centers
According to Miano, the Center will offer a solution to these challenges by providing a one stop shop for all business needs.
“The Centre is not just mere brick-and-mortar establishments; it’s a symbol of our commitment to facilitating the ease of doing business in Kenya,” she said.
The Centre will simplify, streamline, and expedite investors’ business journey and their activities.
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“We understand that not everyone has the resources to travel long distances for assistance therefore, we launch a physical walk-in business support centre at the ministry’s headquarters, NSSF building on the 16th building. Kisumu, Eldoret, Mombasa and Kariobangi South in Nairobi,” she added.
The Centers will be staffed with personalized government experts who will provide answers to trader’s questions and address their business concerns.
CS Miano also launched the Karibu business support online portal that will enable traders to access comprehensive business information online.
It will also offer seamless contact with government agencies on matters of investment, industry and trade, ensuring timely resolution of your questions and concerns.