Gen Z Need Training, Support to Be Engaged and Proactive- Ms Penah Mutinda
MS PENAH MUTINDA is the Chief Executive Officer of CHAMBER OF BUSINESS SECTOR, KENYA. She gives her views to SILAS NYAMWEYA on the viability of Kenya’s business environment, the support systems required to help Kenyan entrepreneurs thrive and what is needed to keep Gen Zs engaged in productive endeavors.
Please tell us about your organization, CBSK, what do you guys do exactly?
Okay, the Chamber of Business Sector Kenya (CBSK) was established in 2023 with a vision to transform the business landscape in Kenya.
Founded by a group of visionary entrepreneurs and industry leaders, CBSK has grown to become a pivotal organization dedicated to empowering businesses, driving economic growth, and shaping the future of trade in Kenya.
Over the years, we have expanded our services, developed key partnerships, and created a robust platform for networking, advocacy, and business development. Our journey has been marked by significant milestones, From hosting major trade missions to influencing policy changes that benefit the entire business community.
We compliment the efforts of other business chambers in the country.
Our membership includes
How have you been supporting local businesses and what has been the impact so far?
We have been supporting the local businesses and entrepreneurship by providing empowerment programs such as business related training financial literacy, business support services, market access, legal assistance and representation, business advisory and consulting, and even trade missions. We also provide advocacy initiative to influence to influence favorable business policies.
The impact of our activities has been profound with many of our members accessing a wider market, both local and across the border. Our members are well equipped with knowledge and skills to run their businesses efficiently and effectively and in a way that adds value to their business growth and the growth of the industry in general.
Can you say the current business in Kenya is viable?
Yes, and I would encourage investors not to lose hope but continue investing in business as the environment looks promising.
But why are we seeing many companies closing down while others are either firing or unable to sustain payment for their employees?
There are many factors relating to this; though we believe the situation is temporary and we are possibly getting out of the woods. Among these is the corruption scourge which is affecting many aspects of the business processes right from initiation to management, legalization, operation among others. Corruption not only affects the sustainability of businesses but also the general economy which in turn also affects business processes, profitability and sustainability.
There has also been lack of sufficient support systems for entrepreneurs, business entities and innovative ideas.
When businesses receive no sufficient support from relevant bodies, then they end up facing frustrations and moving forward could become a challenging task.
Among your sector programs is also Gen Z program.. Please tell us more about this
Ooh yes, as you are aware during the recent demonstrations, many of the concerns of these young people is lack of jobs. These are people many of who are well educated and well knowledgeable, thanks to the power of internet and globalization. Sadly, there is no support system to make them actualize their ideas, thus the frustrations and anger exhibited towards the government.
As The Chamber of Business Sector Kenya, we strongly believe on the need to empower the Kenyan youth both resource wise and life skills training. Once someone has graduated, he or she still needs more training on how to navigate through the real life world since school life and actual life are two different worlds.
Accordingly, we have programs that entail training them on financial literacy, soft skills, and how to maneuver the job and business environment successfully. As you may be aware, we have many graduates out there who have tamacked for long looking for a job because of looking for it in a wrong way.
Your future plans in expanding your vision?
Yes we have several plans to grow our vision; among them going global and digitalizing our programs. Soon, we are setting up a global office to enable us ensure work efficiently with our global partners and to reach our global audience. This will also require us to recruit, employ and train more workers to enable us reach more people considering that our membership is increasing on a regular basis. We are also embracing technology and ensuring that key services and programs are digitized to enable us work efficiently and effectively.
Your parting shot?
The Chamber of Business Sector Kenya has the interest of all Kenyan entrepreneurs and those who need to be empowered can approach us and we can assist where we can. We have different sectors to cater for members with divergent needs and challenges. Among these include Women in Business, Persons with Disabilities, ICT, Young Mothers in Business, Healthcare among others.
