Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago has pledged to support young entrepreneurs willing to start business enterprises in the county.
Speaking to journalists at his office on Saturday, Mandago said his government is welcome to development ideas by young people.
He said the county government recognises the role of entrepreneurship in economic development. The Uasin Gishu governor added that the government has put in place specific measures to empower entrepreneurs.
“The Uasin Gishu County government will work with young people who have development ideas for the sake of improving our economy and creating opportunities,” he said.
Mandago said the county government has partnered with the private sector to fund entrepreneurial ideas.
He noted that many youths in the county has have development ideas that can turn the fortunes of the county.
Mandago asked entrepreneurs in the county to feel free to work with his government.
“We welcome innovators and entrepreneurs who have ideas that can change our economy,” he said.
Mandago said the county has adequate resources which can be used to fight poverty and unemployment.
The county boss also asked youths to use their skills and help champion socio-economic development in the county.
Meanwhile, a section of entrepreneurs in Eldoret Town want the national and the county government to create a conducive environment for them.
Joshua Momanyi, an entrepreneur based in Eldoret Town said access to markets is a challenge to many entrepreneurs.
He also raised concern about influx of counterfeit goods which he says has denied genuine businessmen markets.
“The government should address the problem of counterfeits and protect the market for our benefit,” said Momanyi.
Sharon Karama, an entrepreneur who deals with beauty products asked the government to reduce the tax on imported goods and also protect entrepreneurs from counterfeits.
“As much as we are encouraged to start business and embrace entrepreneurship, their remains many hurdles and unfavorable conditions which the government needs to address,” said Karama.
The entrepreneurs also asked the national government to be inviting them to forums such as the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) that was held in Nairobi.
“We expected the government to involve many of us in the GES that has been ongoing in Nairobi,” he said.
The 6th GES being hosted in Kenya was opened by US President Barack Obama and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday and ended on Sunday.