This archive report was first published on 17 November 2021.
On a two-day working tour in Kisumu, French Ambassador to Kenya H.E Aline Kuster-Menager expressed her country's commitment to forging a partnership with the Kenyan Government to unveil projects that will boost innovation and improve access to finance for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Country.
Speaking during the 3rd Lake Basin Innovation and Investment Week Conference, Kuster-Menager revealed that the two countries would roll-out ambitious programs geared towards benefiting innovative startups with a bias in academic and scientific research, entrepreneurship and innovations.
The Conference, running from 16th – 19th November, provides vendors and exhibitors a platform to showcase their innovations, products and services as well as receive mentorship from experts in various fields of entrepreneurship, investment and innovation.
French Ambassador to Kenya Mrs. Aline Kuster-Menager, addressing participants during the 3rd Lake Basin Innovation and Investment Week Conference held in Kisumu County, Tuesday. Photo by Robert Ojwang’
According to Kuster-Menager, the digital community is global, and Kenya is a very dynamic country with lively young people, especially in the agriculture space that has great innovations. The Lake Basin region is a key player in this innovation drive.
On the sidelines of the conference, Kisumu Governor, Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, commended the organizers of the innovation summit for providing a platform for SMEs to upscale their inventions and remain sustainable.
Prof. Nyong’o noted that the French Government has played a vital role in the development of Kisumu City and other parts of the County, particularly the Kisumu Urban Project (KUP) and other empowerment programs that support SME’s in the region.
The Health Pillar Director at Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), Dr. Rosemary Obara, called on potential investors to support young entrepreneurs in advancing their innovative ideas.
Dr. Obara disclosed that the Lakeside County has collaborated with different universities to come-up with different innovations for the region, citing Maseno University for Health and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology for agriculture.
