The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Murang’a chapter, has called upon members to ensure they build businesses that are sustainable beyond their founders.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting that brought together stakeholders to discuss business legacies and sustainability, KNCCI Murang’a chapter chairperson Dr. Naomi Kagone, noted that many business empires in Murang’a collapse after the death of their owners.
She highlighted the need to ensure those inheriting businesses are equipped with knowledge and opportunities to strengthen and grow them.
“We are here to share tips on how to sustain businesses, especially in the current volatile environment.” She said.
Dr. Kagone observed that the business community suffered significant losses during widespread demonstrations earlier this year but expressed optimism that recovery was underway.
She called on the government to safeguard a conducive business environment, particularly for startups and the manufacturing sector.
KNCCI Nyeri chairperson Ndegwa Maina stressed that business continuity is vital for the economy, urging counties to utilize their unique resources to sustain business vibrancy.
“Basic information on how to sustain businesses will be attained through sharing of knowledge, research and outcomes.” He noted.
Turkana KNCCI chairman Justus Amone highlighted the importance of building brands, growing them sustainably and sharing ideas across counties.
He also urged business leaders to shun divisive politics, saying, “We are one Kenya, one business community and we should not be part of division and politics.”
Agnes Karingo, Deputy Director of Education and Public Awareness at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), on her part, said the agency is working with KNCCI to create awareness on counterfeiting and how businesses can safeguard their intellectual property.
She cautioned that counterfeiting undermines business sustainability, causes market losses, and threatens consumer safety. “In agriculture, for example, farmers may lose much of their produce if they unknowingly use counterfeit seeds or fertilizers,” she explained.
Karingo revealed that consignments of consumer goods such as alcohol and cooking oil worth more than Sh200 million have recently been seized and destroyed.
She assured the public that the ACA remains vigilant in protecting consumer’ safety and wellbeing.
By Purity Mugo and Bernard Munyao
