How SMEs can tap Big Four agenda to spur development

The implementation of the Big Four agenda offers countless opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Founded on the premise of manufacturing, universal healthcare, affordable housing and food security, the business community will play a pivotal role for its success. As an ambitious development programme aimed at transforming this country, the multiplier effect will not only be locally diffused but both regionally and internationally due to side-by-side flow of capital and labour resource. Early estimates indicate trillions of shillings will be used in the rollout of the four pillars, an opportunity business players must purposefully seize and at the same time be agents of achieving the intended objective.

Although the government has promised to ensure SMEs benefit from this transformative initiative, the need for proactive involvement cannot be gainsaid to effectively compete with multinationals and other global players. To achieve this, the government must prioritise prompt payments to SME contractors to ensure businesses remain afloat and enable them meet their tax obligations by paying taxes which translates to more revenues by the government.