The National Construction Authority (NCA) initiated a youth contractor empowerment initiative in Kisumu, assembling over 170 young contractors from Nyanza and Western Kenya regions. The initiative, backed by the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), Mabati Rolling Mills (MRM), and additional collaborators, seeks to enhance access to funding, training, and business prospects for contractors in NCA categories 5 to 8.
During the forum, Dr. Chrispus Ndinyo, NCA General Manager for Construction Research, Business Development and Capacity Building, stressed the significance of providing youth-led enterprises with practical skills and professional networks. “Our objective is to develop their capabilities and create avenues for them to expand their enterprises,” he stated, identifying affordable financing as a primary challenge for new contractors.
Daniel Mathenge, Head of Market Access and Innovation at the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, outlined the organization’s function in connecting financial gaps. “While funding exists in the marketplace, it is frequently not accessible. As a governmental body, our role is to offer young contractors financing solutions suited to their specific requirements,” he elaborated. Mathenge further mentioned that guidance and industry connections would assist young business owners in establishing enduring companies.
Elson Okio, Manager of Mabati Rolling Mills Kisumu Branch, highlighted the critical nature of technical training. “From MRM’s perspective, we recognize that technical expertise is essential for empowering youth and stimulating economic growth. Through our training facility, we are enabling young individuals to acquire the specialized knowledge required in the construction industry,” he noted.
The Kisumu County Government also utilized the event to inform contractors about new regulatory frameworks and forthcoming opportunities, including affordable housing initiatives and World Bank-supported developments in towns like Ahero.
According to NCA, this empowerment effort constitutes a nationwide strategy to elevate professional standards in the construction industry. To date, approximately 8,000 contractors have received instruction through the Continuous Professional Development program, with 15 similar forums scheduled throughout the country.
By enhancing technical understanding and adherence to the Building Code 2024, the authority aims to mitigate issues regarding substandard construction and guarantee that youth contractors deliver high-quality projects.