President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter to review electricity tariffs within one month to ensure the cost of power to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is brought down.
The President, who spoke on Tuesday at the Strathmore Business School where he attended a forum on the growth of SMEs, said the government will streamline its processes so that it accords SMEs the support they deserve.
President Uhuru Kenyatta directs Energy CS Charles Keter to review electricity tariffs within one month with a view of reducing the cost. pic.twitter.com/U2LacVoA8Z
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“I direct the Energy Cabinet Secretary to review electricity tariffs within one month and come up with a sustainable plan to ensure the cost of power to small and medium-sized enterprises is brought down,” President Kenyatta ordered.
The President said SMEs employ more than 75 percent of Kenya’s working population and contribute the biggest share to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
PRESIDENT KENYATTA directs Energy CS Charles Keter to review the cost of electricity in a month to enable SMEs get cheap power. pic.twitter.com/qsKjnflRKt
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The Head of State said the government needs to refocus its attention on small business enterprises, adding that a similar forum will be held at the same venue within two months after government fulfils some of its outstanding pledges to the SME sector.
Speaking at the event, Deputy President William Ruto said SMEs form the biggest means for the achievement of the Government’s Big Four Agenda.
Trade and Industry CS Peter Munya echoed the President’s call that the Government should do more to support SMEs.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko said the Nairobi County Government will work closely with the National Government to support SME traders especially those in markets like Gikomba.
The forum, organised by the Strathmore Business School, NIC Bank and the Government, attracted representatives from all sectors of Kenya’s small and medium enterprises.
Some of the recommendations reached at the forum include prompt payments by government to SME contractors and realignment of TVET institutions to produce more skilled graduates.
Uhuru directs Energy CS Keter to review electricity charges
President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter to review electricity tariffs within one month to… https://t.co/4FZoYpbK73 pic.twitter.com/JLFqnnmijF— NetworkOfNews Kenya (@NofNews_Kenya) October 17, 2018