The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and Zydii Limited have announced a partnership to provide free digital training to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The digital training will be accessible online and offline. Online access will be through a hosted training portal for KEPSA.
The offline option will also provide up to 1,000 users with access to Zydii courses which will be accessible through Short Text Messages (SMS).
This program is the latest initiative from KEPSA in supporting MSMEs to build capacity and resilience to help them recover from the negative effects of Covid 19.
It adds to the existing list of programs such as the Covid-19 Recovery and Resilience Program through which businesses receive financing through interest-free and non-collateral loans, as well as weekly virtual training and mentorship sessions from business leaders. This program is supported by the MasterCard Foundation.
The KEPSA E-commerce Booster Program has seen over 2,600 businesses equipped with digital marketing and e-commerce skills and on boarded into various digital marketplaces. This program is sponsored by the European Union, UK-AID and Trade Mark East Africa.
As KEPSA and Zydii prepare to roll out the free digital training geared to significantly benefit the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the KEPSA CEO, Ms. Carole Kariuki reiterated her assurance of the private sector apex body’s commitment to supporting MSMEs both during and post the Covid 19 pandemic of which has negatively affected businesses.
“We are very keen on supporting and equipping MSMEs because they play a very significant role in our country’s economic development. The KEPSA Socio Economic Survey 2020 shows that over 130,000 jobs were lost and most of these people are now getting equipped from the initiatives we are running.”
She said.
Zydii’s Founder and CEO, Ms Joyce Mbaya, commented on the partnership as an exciting milestone towards achieving Zydii’s vision to empower millions of Africans through digital learning.
“In the post covid era, businesses are struggling to continue with in person training programs. We are excited that our digital training solution is able to address this problem for African businesses so that they can continue to grow and succeed.”
she said.
