Laikipia innovation trade fair kicks off

[Photo: Courtesy]

Innovators from the agricultural sector, mechanical trade and other sectors in Laikipia county converge at Nyahururu Stadium today for the second innovation trade fair.

During the event, innovators in the county will showcase their skills and set up links with financiers  willing to fund their innovations.

The two-day event is also expected to attracted also thousands of residents eager see the innovations.

An initiative of Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, the trade fare will see scores of innovators interact with other experts in various fields to held develop or finetune their ideas and inventions.

Governor Muriithi will be the chief guest.

According to the governor the trade fare is aimed at creating jobs for the youth.

Speaking to The Standard, he said that the county had identified innovators in the region and assured them of both financial and expert support from his administration.

“This is part of our manifesto in creating jobs for the youths. We want to nature their skills so that the youths can be self reliant.We have noted that our youths have a lot of knowledge and skills but what they lack is financial support,” he said.

The Governor said outstanding innovators will be enrolled in the County Enterprise Fund where they will be allocated loans to improve on their trades.

The governor said the county will work together with various financial institutions including the Kenya Investment Authority and other stakeholders to make the visions of young innovators come true.

The County Executive for Trade, Nicholas Biwott said the county has allocated of Sh50 million to fund this financial year.

He said 20 per cent of the cash would go to promoting innovation. 

“We have set aside this kind of money so that innovators can use it to promote their businesses. This way, they will be able to gain more knowledge and at the end, help them uplift their livelihood,” he said.

Also to benefit from the kitty will be youth groups engaging in small businesses.