Barclays Bank is rolling out a free training for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners under the 'Wezesha Biashara na Barclays' programme that targets over 10,000 SME owners across the country.
The training seminars, which will be held in 11 rows across the 47 counties aim at enabling business owners run, create and improve professionalism in the way they structure and run their businesses.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Kisumu County recently, Barclays Bank Kenya Director for Retail and Business Banking Humphrey Muturi reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to developing the SME sector highlighting the critical role SMEs play in enhancing the country’s economy.
“The sector currently contributes more than half of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides more than three quarters of the new jobs. There is therefore, a significant multiplier effect on our economy if this sector is adequately resourced,” said Mr Muturi.
The bank will be offering access to secured loan facilities at a subsidised rate of 17.5 percent to benefit existing and new SME owners.
Over 500 SME owners in Kisumu will be targeted during the course of the campaign.