Innovation show attracts creative youths

A Nyahururu based shoe manufacturer Peter Mwangi talks to one of his customers during the second edition of Laikipia Innovation Trade fair yesterday.He uses locally available materials to make the shoes. [Photo: Standard]

More than 100 exhibitors yesterday showcased their innovations at the second edition of Laikipia County Innovation Fair in Nyahururu town.

The two-day event ends today.

It provided an opportunity for innovators in the county to showcase their skills, and also offered a forum for them to meet financiers and experts to help develop their ideas further.

The event was opened by Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya and attracted innovators from, among other sectors, the agricultural sector and mechanical trade.

Mr Munya also opened a manufacturing hub for innovators funded by Laikipia County.

Speaking during the ceremony, Munya described the trade fair as a model for other countries.

“Laikipia County has marked itself as a pace setter in innovation as well as manufacturing. This is one way of creating jobs for the youth,” he said.

The CS pledged the Government's commitment to promoting talent through funding and training.

“All Government agencies under my ministry must now shift base from Nairobi to the counties to deliver services,” he said.

He defended the government's move to control importation of certain goods saying this was one way of creating markets for locally manufactured products.

“We have to believe in ourselves, and that is why we are supporting the manufacturing sector,” noted Munya.

Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, who initiated the trade fair, said innovators would continue getting financial and expert support from his administration.

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