Kaimosi Friends University today held a training program to more than 65 youths, women and persons living with disability on Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), in line with the presidential directive that 30% of government procurement.
Participants from a diverse range of local communities, including Hamisi, Shamakhokho, Esenende, Seremi, Cheptulu, Muhudu, and Erusui completed a comprehensive training program organized by Kaimosi Friends University with the primary objective of enhancing their engagement in public procurement processes, thereby fostering more inclusive economic growth across the region.
Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Finance, Planning & Development), addresses participants during the AGPO training at Kaimosi Friends University, emphasizing the importance of business registration and community involvement in public procurement.
The training focused on building the capacity of the three target groups by equipping them with knowledge on government procurement procedures, the requirements for accessing opportunities, and the specific procurement openings available at the university. This training underscores the university's commitment to extending economic opportunities beyond its immediate vicinity and into the broader community it serves.
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration, Finance, Planning and Development Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat, emphasized the importance of enterprise registration and certification. He urged participants to take these steps seriously, noting that proper registration would strengthen their businesses and position them to partner with the university and other institutions as suppliers.
“I encourage you to register your business, proper registration will not only strengthen your businesses but also position you to partner effectively with our university and other institutions as reliable suppliers.” Said Prof. Kipkurgat.
He reaffirmed that the university is committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and involving the surrounding community in its activities as part of promoting national cohesion. He concluded by encouraging participants to become ambassadors of the institution.
In her remarks, Mrs. Josephine Rapando, the university’s Procurement Officer, reiterated KAFU’s commitment to transparent procurement processes. She encouraged participants to register their businesses, seek proper certifications, and take advantage of procurement opportunities as a means of economic empowerment and self-employment.
“Seize these procurement opportunities as a means of economic empowerment and self-employment, we always give equal opportunities to anyone who bids for all the tenders. We encourage the local traders from around to supply products to our university especially the day to day products especially the foodstuff.
Mama Phylis Museve, a trader from Cheptulu, expresses her appreciation to Kaimosi Friends University for the AGPO training, noting how the session clarified government procurement procedures and opened new opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Mama Phylis Museve a trader at Cheptulu appreciated the Management of Kaimosi Friends University for equipping the entrepreneurs from the neighboring community with essential knowledge regarding government procurement procedures, the precise requirements for accessing these vital opportunities, and, crucially, a clear overview of the specific procurement openings currently available at Kaimosi Friends University.
“Before this training, navigating government procurement felt like an impenetrable maze. Understanding the process of government procurement is undoubtedly the first step towards securing these vital opportunities. This training is truly making it much clearer for us all." Said Mama Phylis.
Participants of the AGPO training pose for a group photo with Kaimosi Friends University officials after a successful empowerment session aimed at enhancing access to government procurement opportunities for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.