Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly on Saturday met a sizeable number of youth and business people at a hotel in Nandi Hills, where they held extensive discussions on improving the business environment and laying out strategies for sustainable economic development in the area.
The consultative meeting brought together small-scale traders, boda boda operators, youth groups and established entrepreneurs.
The forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to air their concerns while exploring practical solutions to the challenges facing businesses locally.
In his address, Melly emphasized the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem for enterprises, noting that small and medium-sized businesses remain the backbone of the constituency’s economy.
“We must make it easier for our people to do business by removing unnecessary barriers, improving infrastructure and ensuring access to affordable financing. Our youth, in particular, must be empowered to take up business opportunities,” said Melly.
Among the speakers was Nandi Hills Ward MCA Benard Kitur, who highlighted the county government’s role in fostering a conducive business climate.
He stressed the need for improved market infrastructure and fair taxation policies to support traders.
“Our traders need decent working spaces and reasonable levies. As leaders, we must ensure that policies put in place promote growth rather than stifle enterprise,” Kitur noted.
Tinderet Sub County Youth Leader Kevin Kiptoo called for urgent interventions to address youth unemployment, urging leaders to invest in skills development and business incubation programmes.
“Young people are eager to work and innovate, but they lack access to capital and mentorship. We need structured support systems to help them succeed in business,” Kiptoo said.
Representing the business community, Nandi Hills Traders Association Chairperson Grace Chebet outlined key challenges facing traders, including high taxation, limited access to credit, and poor road networks that hinder the transportation of goods.
“Operating a business has become increasingly difficult due to multiple levies and inadequate infrastructure. We are appealing for interventions that will ease the burden on small traders,” she said.
Local entrepreneur David Sang urged fellow traders to embrace digital transformation, noting that technology offers new opportunities for market expansion.
“If we adopt digital platforms, we can reach customers beyond our locality and grow our businesses significantly. There is a need for training to help traders transition into online markets,” Sang said.
He further announced plans to lobby for increased funding toward infrastructure development, particularly road rehabilitation and expansion of market spaces within Nandi Hills and surrounding areas.
Participants expressed optimism that the deliberations would lead to tangible improvements in the business environment. They emphasized the need for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to drive economic growth in Tinderet Sub County.
The engagement underscored a shared commitment by leaders, youth and entrepreneurs to transform Nandi Hills into a more vibrant and business-friendly hub, capable of supporting innovation, job creation and long-term economic prosperity.
by Sammy Mwibanda
