Alice Waweru, Director of Enterprise Programnmes at TechnoServe in East Africa speaking to the media in Kisumu. FAITH MATETE.
Innovators are being urged to design user-friendly solutions that can help micro-retailers better manage their inventories and streamline operations.
Alice Waweru, Director of Enterprise Programmes at TechnoServe in East Africa, stressed the importance of supporting micro-retailers due to their significant impact on livelihoods and the broader economy.
Her comments came during the launch of the seventh cohort of the Smart Duka program in Kisumu County, a joint initiative by TechnoServe and the Moody’s Foundation.
The programme, designed to empower more than1,000 micro-retailers in Kisumu, focuses on equipping them with essential business skills, financial tools, and market linkages to enhance their profitability and sustainability.
This initiative, which has already reached more than 7,000 micro-retailers across multiple counties, is poised to drive growth and innovation in Kenya’s retail sector.
“Microretailers are the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to job creation and economic development,” said Waweru.
However, she said many face challenges such as poor financial literacy, limited access to affordable credit, and inefficient business practices.
“The Smart Duka initiative addresses these challenges by providing practical business management training, financial support, and market linkages that are critical for their growth.”
Since its inception in 2015, the Smart Duka programme has benefited micro-retailers in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, and Machakos counties, generating more than 14,000 jobs and facilitating access to more than Sh60 million in working capital.
Waweru noted that the smart Duka helps retainers, micro retailers, and small entrepreneurs who are the majority enterprise driving the economy, adding that this enterprise contributes Sh26 billion to the economy annually with a huge potential of helping address the country's economic unemployment problem.
The programme is also committed to fostering sustainability, with a focus on environmental practices and improving the digital capabilities of small businesses.
In addition to training, the programme has supported the formation of the National Duka Owners Umbrella Association. This association serves as a platform for micro-retailers to collaborate, exchange ideas, and receive technical support to elevate their businesses.
Waweru explained that the association is working with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies to develop user-friendly solutions that will enhance efficiency in day-to-day operations.
“We are collaborating with ICT companies to create applications that will help micro-retailers manage high customer traffic and maintain proper sales and stock records,” Waweru said.
Additionally, through the association, retailers are learning how to collect recyclable materials like carton boxes, plastic bottles, and wrapping paper, which they can sell to recycling firms for an additional income stream, further boosting their profitability.
The Kisumu County government expressed their commitment to continuing its partnership with TechnoServe to expand the reach of the Smart Duka initiative.
“The programme will benefit approximately 1,000 micro-retailers in Kisumu, helping them increase operational efficiency and grow their businesses.We look forward to working with TechnoServe to ensure that more traders can access these vital resources, said Farida Salim, CEC Trade and Tourism.
