Public-Private Partnership and the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Public-Private Partnership and the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)

THE Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and industry, Embu County Chapter, in conjunction with the County government of Embu through its Department of Trade, Tourism, Investment and Industrialization is expected to host the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry president Mr. Richard Ngatia, for a second time in so few months. The event, dubbed as Embu Business Partnership and Networking Dinner will focus on several issues discussed on 31 May 2019 when the president had visited the county. For the purpose of this dinner,Mr Ngatia will be the Chief Guest.

Embu County Deputy Governor David Kariuki (left)
with KNCCI President Mr Richard Ngatia
in Embu on 31/5/2019. PHOTO: James Metumi

As such, 23 August 2019 is supposed to be a day that would mark the recognition of the great strides made by the business community in Embu County and the region at large in the last several months. The occasion, aimed to serve as a follow-up on a number of development-centered ideas shared during the president’s last visit to Embu would bear sweeter fruits if it was all inclusive. These sentments were expressed by members of Lower Embu Business Community, comprising of the younger generation in business. They feel that Chambers is for the older established business tycoons.

However, speaking about the PPP dinner, Embu Chapter Chambers Chairman, Mr John Mugo Mate said, “Strengthening the Public-Private business Partnership and networking, is the theme of this very special occasion” 

The kind of Industial Park that Mr. Ngatia
plans to establish in Embu. FILE

Embu County Governor H.E Martin Wambora is expected to be the Guest of Honour for the occasion. During the last visit to Embu by the Chamber president, the business community leader pledged more engagement with all county governments in support of the cottage industry, commonly known as the Juakali sector. His main concern on that particular event was to establish what really affects business in Embu County and come up with solutions.

Following his departure, public communication officers in Embu County embarked on finding out the problems affecting the business community in the region, with the aim of coming up with solutions that should be presented during the Business Connect Dinner at Izaak Walton hotel on 23 August 2019, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The officers, having carried out the research with all due diligence are set to present their findings to the Governor, the Chambers president, the Chairman and all stakeholders invited to the occasion, for the benefit of all and sundry. In the report, the officers can be expected to explain the incongruity inherent in the president’s proposal to have a motorcycle assembly plant and an industrial park in the county, among his other noble ideas.

Here below is an excerpt from president Ngatia’s speech during his previous visit:

Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry Set to Support the Cottage Industry

The cottage industry - commonly known as Juakali - is bound to receive some much needed support from the Kenya national Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). Speaking in Embu when he and his team paid a courtesy call to the governor on 31 May 2019, KNCCI president Mr. Richard Ngatia pledged more involvement by the organization in the affairs of the business community both at county and national level.

“The chamber is looking forward to engagement with county governments and more involvement of the Chamber in the success of national holidays such as Madaraka Day.”

Announcing that he has recently been named as the deputy Patron of the Juakali sector countrywide, Mr. Ngatia said his team is out to understand what affects Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in counties. As such he plans to go round all the counties to determine solutions to challenges that the business community faces and see how to advise the government on the same.

Embu to Host Water Services Companies (WASCO) Games, 2019

EWASCO sportsmen on an awareness campaign about the games. PHOTO: Courtesy

Embu to Host Water Services Companies (WASCO) Games, 2019

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portsmen from all water and sanitation service providing Companies in Kenya are expected to be arriving in Embu County between Sunday 18^th and Monday 19^th August 2019, for the 10^th Edition of WASCO games. The week-long mega event, to be hosted by Embu Water and Sanitation Company (EWASCO) will see 42 Water Services Companies from across the country compete in 14 different disciplines including field, track and indoor games.

The indoor Arena at the University of Embu. PHOTO: File

During a recent briefing on the preparedness of the host, EWASCO Managing Director Mr Hamilton Karugendo said that the competitions will take place in four venues namely; Embu Stadium, Kangaru School, Kangaru Girls School and the University of Embu. 

Basket ball  court and football pitch at the University of Embu 

Embu governor H.E Martin Wambora, who has also been appointed the Deputy Patron for WASCO, is expected to officially launch the competitions during a Match-Past on 22 August at 09:00. The games are set to have started on 20 August and end on 23 August 2019 at 17:00 UTC+03.

The Governor has confirmed that Embu is able and ready to host the event, considering that facilities requisite for a national sporting event are in place.

Embu Governor Martin Wambora (center) takes
Education C.S Prof George Magoha (in red tie)
and Public Srvice C.S Margaret Kobia through the
exhibition stands mounted by Embu youth during the
launch of the International Youth Week at the
University of Embu on 6 August 2019. Looking
on are other leaders in the delegation.
PHOTO: Metumi James

Embu County Becoming a Technology Hub

The University of Embu is lately becoming a choice venue for national events. On 6 August 2019, the institution had hosted the launch of the International Youth Week whereby close to thirty youthful exhibitors showcased their innovative acumen in business, science and technology.

The event had been attended by the Cabinet Secretary, Education, Science and Technology Prof. George Magoha, accompanied by his counterpart in Public Service Ms Margaret Kobia among other top executives in the national government. The dignitaries, who appreciated the innovativeness and love for development among the youth of Embu County, were hospitably received by H.E. Governor Martin Wambora.

MWEA GAME RESERVE; EMBU’S UNDISCOVERED GEM

Rothschild giraffes briskly walking at Mwea Game  Reserve

An alpha male baboon makes a low pitched bark, watching protectively at his troop made up of squealing young-lings. Heaving his bulk off a dead tree trunk, he adopts a war like stance, barking aggressively.

In a split second, the entire troop melts in the thick undergrowth. Amidst the cacophony of chirping birds, two Rothschild giraffes hop gracefully from a watering point, their long necks swaying sideways as if in slow motion. Welcome to Mwea National Reserve.

The game reserve, located 30 kilometers from Embu town offers breathtaking vistas beckoning to be explored. It is home to more than 125 elephants, 200 buffaloes, baboons, hippos, warthogs, Thomson’s gazelles, dik diks and an array of avian species including quails, guinea fowls and ducks making it a paradise for bird lovers. 

Photo of a male elephant scampering from the tourists.
PHOTO/ Robert Ndwiga

“We are popularizing Mwea Game Reserve as one of hidden gems in Embu County. Our strategy is multi-pronged including school tours, picnics and even camping” says Embu County Director of Tourism Virginia Warue Ngugi.

Already, according to the director, school tours have recorded phenomenal success with at least 500 students having visited the facility in the month of July 2019.

The Director of Tourism in Embu County Ms Virginia Warue (seated) takes the students and teachers of two Secondary Schools on a tour of Mwea Game Reserve. Accompanying them (with gun) is the JJ, the Tour Guide/ Ranger

“We are now gearing for increasing visitor numbers at the reserve especially those who love camping in the open, the experience is out of this world” Virginia says. 

A breathtaking view of the Masinga Dam Spillway, a very large water body within the Reserve and home to innumerable crocodiles, hippos, ducks and fish among other aquatic creatures. PHOTO: Robert Ndwiga