Nyong’o launches ‘plug mtaani’ business competition, Sh17.5 million up for grabs

By Peter Ochieng 

Kisumu county governor Anyang’ Nyong’o on Monday launched the ‘Plug Mtaani – Vijana 2Invest’ initiative designed to identify, nurture and sustain talents of young of young entrepreneurs.

Speaking during launch of the program at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports stadium, Nyong’o said through the initiative, 200 youths will be capacity built through various interventions, including but not limited to training on developing bankable business plans.

But before anything else, youth – aged between 18 and 35 have been invited to submit their applications for the competition based on the following sectors: blue economy, agriculture and agribusiness, manufacturing and value addition, information technology and digital services, renewable energy and environmental conservation, trade, transport and logistics and tourism and hospitality. Nyong’o said Sh17.5 million is up for grabs.

“At the end of this competition, the program will award the best business case with Sh10 million as start up capital with first and second runners up getting Sh5 million and Sh2.5 million respectively at the national level,” said the second term county boss.

“However, my government will also recognize the best performers at the county level. We shall award the winner and two runners up with Sh50, 000, Sh40, 000 and Sh30, 000 respectively. But we shall not end it there. We will recognize all the 41 qualifiers from the Sub-counties by awarding them Sh20, 000 each,” he added.

To participate in the competition, one is required to record a one-minute video of his/her business idea and share via link provided at the county government of Kisumu Website https://www.kisumu.go.ke/.

The governor termed Plug Mtaani Vijana 2Invest as a foundational enterprise development program, aimed at educating youths on wealth creation and investments, among other financial challenges.

It is being implemented by the county Department of Trade, Business and Marketing in collaboration with the State Department of Commerce- (MITI), KenInvest, RADICO Kenya, ICST and Crescent 360 Limited.