A unique idea to curb consumer exploitation and avert a myriad of inconveniences in small-scale businesses and individuals has been coined in Kisii county pending extension to other areas.
The ‘’cash carry’’ innovation by EEDI Kenya, acted as a direct link between manufacturers and consumers of goods eliminating middle-level agents.Consumers are to access goods in bulk and at cheaper prices acquired directly from the industry from the enterprise ’s stores.
Consumers would no longer buy goods from middlemen who purchased them from wholesalers or retail outlets for sale to small scale business operators, institutions and individuals.
The one-stop-shop arrangement also appeared to tackle the mushrooming of counterfeit goods in the market denying the consumers the right to get the value of their money.
Launching the first megastore on the service at Darajamoja in the town, Kisii county deputy governor, Joash Maangi endorsed the move saying “the exploitative culture of middlemen in the value chain will be eradicated.”
Maangi assured investors of the county government’s support through the provision of the requisite infrastructure including street lights for a 24-hour economy.
He announced the establishment of Sh. 10 million county credit scheme facility to start and boost business.“An integrated cleanup service is in place as one of the factors creating a conducive business environment,” said the DG.
Member of Executive Committee in charge of Trade, Edinah Kangwana, urged investors into the town to consult with her office for support with the necessary requirements and logistics.
The EED Kenya director, Dipen Dodhia decried exploitation of consumers who were offered substandard goods at inflated prices blaming it on lack of proper information.
Dodhia explained their aim was to promote local manufactures, save retailers the cost of transport and avail genuine goods at their convenience.