By Lorraine Anyango.
500 retail shop owners in Kisumu County are set to benefit from a new initiative aimed at empowering them and bolstering the local economy. The ‘Smart Duka’ program, implemented in collaboration with Techno Serve and the Kisumu County government, will provide participating shopkeepers with essential skills and resources to grow their businesses.
The program, which has been successfully implemented in other countries for the past six years, offers one-on-one consultations and group training sessions. These sessions cover various aspects of business management, including marketing and merchandising, financial literacy, supplier and customer relationship management, and shop coordination.
.
Additionally, ‘Smart Duka’ incorporates practical digital solutions to equip shopkeepers with the tools they need to efficiently manage their inventory and make mobile payments.
County Officials Welcome Transformative Initiative
Welcoming the initiative, Ms. Farida Salim, Kisumu County’s Executive Member for Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Marketing, highlighted the county’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for businesses. She acknowledged that while other sectors have received growth-oriented support, shopkeepers have been largely overlooked.
“I am pleased to announce the implementation of a unified system for business license payments,” Ms. Salim stated. “This initiative streamlines the process for shopkeepers and eliminates unnecessary hurdles.”
Focus on Sustainability and Inclusivity
Mr. Bovince Ochieng, the Chief Officer for the department, clarified misconceptions regarding business permit validity. He emphasized that permits issued in the previous year remain valid for the full twelve months from the date of payment, and their validity is not affected by the start of a new calendar year.
TechnoServe’s Deputy County Director, Mr. Sebastian Oggema, explained that the information session aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ‘Smart Duka’ program and its methodologies for supporting micro-retailers.
“This program presents an opportunity for collaboration between Smart Duka and the Kisumu County government,” Mr. Oggema said. “By working together, we can create an environment that fosters sustainable business growth within the micro-retail sector.”
Empowering Women and Youth
Project Manager Ms. Elsie Ngina elaborated on how ‘Smart Duka’ leverages digital platforms and programs to target high-potential micro-retailers, particularly those operating in low-income areas. The program focuses on building essential skills by providing training in business and financial management through various digital platforms and the TechnoServe Crisis Management Toolkit.
‘Smart Duka’ also offers ongoing support and mentorship through connections to financial institutions, manufacturers and suppliers, and innovative technology providers.
Measurable Impact
Data from TechnoServe demonstrates the program’s positive impact. They have supported over 5,900 micro-retail shops, with 68% of these businesses being women-owned and 53% catering to young people between the ages of 18 and 35.
From 2018 to 2023, these shops created over 11,800 jobs and experienced an average revenue increase of 52%. Additionally, the participating shopkeepers collectively secured over $502,600 in loans during the same period.
Ensuring Inclusivity
Ms. Carolyn Agwanda, the Governor’s Advisor on matters of disability, emphasized the importance of ensuring inclusivity in the program and ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all.
The ‘Smart Duka’ initiative is a significant step towards empowering Kisumu County’s shopkeepers and fostering a more vibrant and inclusive local economy. By providing essential skills, resources, and ongoing support, the program has the potential to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of shopkeepers, their families, and the entire community.
