I am delighted to join you during this auspicious occasion of the launch of Kenyatta University’s Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre. This is an important occasion not only for Kenyatta University but also for this country as a whole considering the magnitude of the impact of this initiative. I am pleased to note that Kenyatta University has established this centre which is going to transform the lives of the beneficiaries of the programme as well as spur socio-economic development in this country in line with Kenya Vision 2030.
The Ministry of Trade Strategic Plan is anchored on the Kenya Vision 2030. Our Vision is to be a global leader in promoting trade, investment and private sector development. Our Mission on the other hand, is the facilitation of trade and investment through the championing of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. As a Ministry, we are therefore impressed that Kenyatta University is leading the way in creating an environment that supports business innovations and transfer of knowledge to the society. Other universities should follow suit. Universities should not only concentrate in academic pursuits but also create jobs through entrepreneurial activities and this is what Kenyatta University is doing.
I am happy to note that this new development that is taking place at Kenyatta University is a welcome addition to the many new developments that have gone a long way in enhancing the provision of higher education in this country. I am informed that at present, Kenyatta University has a number of campuses spread throughout the country something that takes education to the people.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to commend organizations that have accepted to partner with Kenyatta University so as to provide important entrepreneurial training to young people who are the future of this country. I urge many other organizations to join Kenyatta University in setting up the centre to accommodate more students and even other Kenyans. As a region which is endowed with rich natural resources, we recognize the potential in pursuing sustainable development through various sectors using the unique advantage of entrepreneurship. To harness the potential, we should explore innovative ways to enhance the competitiveness through increased investment in infrastructure development, institutional collaboration, and greater market access opportunities. As government, we promise to act not only as a facilitator to provide the necessary policy structure and framework, but also to strengthen existing institutions to enable them to address the issues and concerns of the 21st Century which are well articulated in the Millennium Development Goals.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the challenge of unemployment facing our country requires special concerted efforts that involve a multi-sectoral approach in order to offer practical solutions. It is therefore commendable that Kenyatta University has opted to be at the forefront in pioneering a practical strategy for job creation. Looking at the projects that have been presented by the incubatees at the C-BIIC, there is evidence that the products will attract a regional as well as international market. To those incubatees, I wish to give my commendation for a job well done.
I would like to challenge the incubatees to do their best within the period of incubation to ensure that they develop strong companies whose top-notch products and services will easily penetrate not only the local market but also the regional and international markets. As the Minister of Trade, I want to assure you of my support.
Allow me ladies and gentlemen to once again thank Kenyatta University for establishing the Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre. With those few remarks, I now wish to officially launch the Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre.
Thank you.
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