The County Government of Uasin Gishu, through the Department of Trade and Cooperatives, has called on Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to align themselves to benefit from the proposed Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in the county.
Speaking during the launch of Intellectual Property (IP) training for MSMEs, the CECM for Trade, Industrialization, Tourism, Cooperatives and Enterprise Development, Eng. Martha Cheruto, said the training was strategic in promoting the County’s economic development agenda.
She said the ongoing construction of multi-million projects was critical in the implementation of Nguzo Kumi manifesto on trade is anchored in driving sustainable economic transformation and enterprise development.
She underscored that the key objective is to position Uasin Gishu as a county that doesn’t just produce but innovates, protects, and exports proudly.
The CECM further noted that; “Economic transformation is not just about physical infrastructure or access to markets but about ideas, innovations, and protecting and monetizing those ideas through Intellectual Property.”
Eng. Cheruto emphasized that the IP is not only the currency of innovation but also a tool through which the entrepreneurs can own, safeguard, and commercialize their creativity. Whether it is a unique product design, a traditional herbal formula, a brand name, or a digital innovation, IP ensures that the creator benefits from their work.
The training will enable MSMEs to be conversant with the value of IP, comforting themselves with, among others, legal and procedural hurdles involved in registration.
The program is set to empower 30 carefully selected MSMEs and innovators with practical knowledge, hands-on skills, and direct support to protect their intellectual assets and use them to grow their businesses.
“Through the program, we expect to see a measurable increase in the number of local trademarks, patents, copyrights, and industrial designs registered,” noted the CECM.
“We also aim to strengthen our linkages with national IP agencies such as KIPI and international partners who can help us tap into global IP value chains,” added Cheruto.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
