By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, June 08, 2026 - Kakamega County is banking on technology and affordable financing to stimulate business growth after launching a digital development approvals platform and urging entrepreneurs to take advantage of a county revolving fund designed to expand local enterprises.
County officials say the two initiatives are aimed at improving the business environment, attracting investment and empowering traders and small businesses that form the backbone of the county's economy.
Speaking during the launch of the digital approvals platform, Governor Fernandes Barasa said the system is expected to eliminate bureaucratic delays that have long frustrated investors and developers seeking approvals for projects within the county.
"This platform will significantly reduce approval timelines, improve transparency and enhance efficiency in service delivery," Barasa said.
The governor noted that digitising development approvals aligns with the county's broader vision of modernising public services and creating a more investor-friendly environment.
Under the new system, developers will be able to submit applications, track progress and receive approvals electronically, reducing paperwork and minimising the need for physical visits to county offices.
County officials believe the platform will not only improve service delivery but also strengthen compliance and revenue collection by enhancing oversight of development projects.
The launch comes as counties across Kenya increasingly adopt digital solutions to improve governance and attract private sector investment.
At the same time, the county government has intensified efforts to encourage traders, youth groups and women entrepreneurs to access financing through its revolving fund, which offers affordable credit to support business expansion.
Speaking during an engagement with traders, county officials emphasised that access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses despite their critical contribution to employment and economic growth.
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"The revolving fund was established to empower our traders and entrepreneurs by providing affordable financing that enables them to grow their businesses and create jobs," county officials said.
The county urged business owners to take advantage of the facility to increase stock levels, purchase equipment and expand operations instead of relying on expensive commercial loans.
Governor Barasa said economic empowerment remains central to the county's development agenda, adding that strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises would play a key role in boosting local economic activity.
The twin initiatives reflect growing recognition among county governments that improving access to finance and reducing administrative bottlenecks are critical to unlocking investment and enterprise growth.
Economic analysts have consistently identified cumbersome approval processes and limited access to affordable credit as among the biggest barriers facing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises across Kenya.
For Kakamega, one of the country's largest and fastest-growing counties, officials believe the combination of digital reforms and targeted financial support can help create a more competitive business environment while generating employment opportunities for thousands of residents.
County leaders expressed optimism that the digital platform will enhance investor confidence while the revolving fund provides businesses with the financial resources needed to expand and compete more effectively.
Together, the initiatives signal Kakamega's determination to position itself as an emerging investment destination in western Kenya while supporting the growth of locally owned enterprises that drive the county's economy.