By Agnetta Okwemba
The giant telecommunication company Safaricom has embarked on a series of seminars dubbed “Grow with Safaricom Business” to empower the small scale businesses in their operation.
According to the Kenya Institute of Public Policy, Research and Analysis, there are over 7.4 million MSMEs, employing approximately 14.9 million Kenyans in various sectors of the economy, generating 30% of the GDP.
Cynthia Kropac Chief Enterprise Business Officer Safaricom PLC said that most businesses lack the necessary information to upgrade.
Cynthia Kropac, Chief Enterprise Business Officer Safaricom PLC
Having their fourth seminar and the first one in Mombasa county, Safaricom aims to equip the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with tools to help them grow and transform in the digital era.
“In the midst of competition, we aim to help businesses grow to stand out. This is possible through leveraging A.I even as a small business,” said Cynthia.
The Artificial Intelligence is and will still be an issue of discussion.
Having been embraced by the bigger companies, it now seems as an impossibility to the small businesses.
However, Safaricom comes in to prove us wrong.
Safaricom mentioned its business domain that can be used in the conduction of business as some customers feel threatened by the Gmail account that is infested with “fake” entrepreneurs.
They are also looking into creating the Business Networking Club where attendees can be rewarded with special offers that are exclusive to their businesses.
Other services offered to MSMEs include issuance of basic affordable insurance and giving out credit.
Safaricom will be holding other phases of the seminar in different counties of Kenya.
The small business sector is the target with Mohammed Hersi, Director of Operations Pollmans Tours and Safaris, arguing that the government cannot employ everyone.
