Govt Launches Karibu Business Support Centre Portal for Loans and Investments Support

The government through the Ministry of Trade and Investments has launched the Karibu Business Support Centre (KBSC), which will be located at the Ministry’s headquarters on the 16th floor of the NSSF building in Nairobi.

Speaking during the launch on Monday, April 15, Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano noted that the business centre would provide a unified approach for businesses to access financial services.

The launch marks a major step towards improving the ease of doing business in the country, addressing the need for efficient and streamlined services that facilitate business establishment and growth.

KBSC will also enable businesses to access loans through the provision of information and facilitate taking out of business loans. 

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Furthermore, the centre will provide an all-inclusive approach for entrepreneurs, investors, and traders through a wide array of services, including advisory support on investments, manufacturing and trade policies, collection and dissemination of business information, liaison services, and facilitation of business linkages.

To streamline these processes as well as address the challenges faced by businesses, KBSC is aiming to make use of the KBSC portal which provides businesses with detailed information and seamless interaction with government agencies on investment, industry, and trade matters.

“The launch of the Karibu Centre signifies a significant milestone in Kenya's journey towards economic prosperity. The government extends an invitation to entrepreneurs, investors, and traders to embrace this initiative and leverage its support services for mutual growth and success,” CS Miano stated.

“The Karibu Centre is not just a mere brick-and-mortar establishment; it’s a symbol of our commitment to facilitating the ease of doing business in Kenya.”

She further reiterated the government’s commitment to streamlining service provision, thus addressing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, investors and traders.

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“Our vision for the Karibu Business Support Centre goes beyond its establishment; it embodies our unwavering commitment to facilitating the ease of doing business in Kenya,” remarked CS Miano.

“Whether you’re a visionary entrepreneur with groundbreaking ideas or a seasoned industrialist seeking to expand operations, the KBSC stands ready to simplify and expedite your business journey.”

The CS further invited everyone to partake in KBSC, both a physical and digitised program seeking to streamline and catalyse ease of doing business.

Some of the services on offer by KBSC include:

Registration and Licensing

KBSC facilitates the registration and licensing processes for business enterprises, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and saving time for entrepreneurs.

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The following registrations and licenses can be facilitated through KBSC:

• Business Permit
• Certificate of incorporation/registration certificate
• Tax compliance services
• Scrap metal licenses
• SEZ license
• EPZ license

Financial Services

Collaborating with government financial institutions, the centre provides information and assistance to businesses seeking financial support for their business ventures. 

The following financial services can be facilitated through KBSC:

• Hustler fund
• Women enterprise fund
• Youth Enterprise Development fund
• Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) debt and equity financing.
• Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE) industrial financing.

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Market Access & Networking

Business enterprises, through various KBSC support programs, can benefit from networking opportunities by connecting with other businesses, potential partners, and government agencies to expand their market reach. 

The following services can be facilitated through KBSC:

• KEPROBA’s Nation Branding
• KNTC services
• KEBS standardization marks

Product Development

The KBSC recognizes the importance of product innovation and enhancement for business enterprises to remain competitive in the market.

The following services can be facilitated through KBSC:

• Provision of specialized support in the process of conceptualizing, designing, and developing new products or improving existing ones in collaboration with KIRDI.
• Provision of valuable insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies to inform their product development strategies.
• MSEA product development services
• KIPI intellectual property services

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Product Standardization

Ensuring product quality and adherence to standards is vital for business enterprises to gain consumer trust and comply with regulatory requirements. 

KBSC through KEBS will therefore assist business enterprises in understanding and implementing product standardization measures, helping them meet industry benchmarks and achieve certification where applicable. 

“By promoting adherence to quality standards, the centre enhances the market competitiveness of local enterprises, potentially opening up new avenues for partnerships and market access,” KBSC states on its official website.

Linkages To Business Development Opportunities

Business enterprises often require external support and partnerships to scale their operations and access new opportunities. 

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KBSC will act as a facilitator, establishing linkages between enterprises and various business development opportunities. These opportunities may include:

• Incubation Programs: Connecting entrepreneurs with business incubators to nurture and accelerate their growth.
• Financing Options: Providing information on available financing options, grants, and loans to support business expansion.
• Market Access: Creating linkages with potential markets, both locally and within the region, to broaden the reach of enterprises.
• Business Partnerships: Facilitating collaborations and partnerships with other businesses, fostering synergies and mutual growth.

Liaison Services

KBSC provides liaison services to expedite the administrative procedures that investors and businesses may require to operate or set up shop in Kenya. Among them include:

• EPZA services
• SEZA services
• KenInvest services
• Business complaint resolution services
• Government business regulations and information services
• Policy advocacy services