Boost for Ruiru small-scale traders as varsity rolls out programme to help them recover
Small-scale traders in Ruiru Constituency, Kiambu County can afford a smile after a private university embarked on helping them recover from the hard economic times precipitated by Covid-19.
In a program that seeks to help tens of collapsed small enterprises such as small hotels, green groceries and shoes shining stalls recoup, Zetech University has started donating shelter materials to small entrepreneurs who had closed shops after the pandemic hit the country.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Njenga Munene said that some 200 traders will benefit in the first phase of the program.
Speaking when he spearheaded the distribution of umbrella shelters to various entrepreneurs, the VC said that the customized sunshades will shield ‘mama mboga’ and other small traders from scorching sun and rain while running their businesses.
Prof. Munene regretted that most traders had been pushed out of business by the scathing effects of Covid-19 and it is the responsibility of every institution and government to stand in where possible to help them recover so as to boost the economy.
“This pandemic has not been discriminatory. It has hit hard our mothers, brothers and sisters who trade within this region. Most of the affected are small-scale traders who play a very vital role in our food chain supply. As a university, we have decided to step in when we could to enable them to recover and continue running their businesses with ease,” said the VC.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to journalists termed the programme as an impetus saying that it’s a boost for their businesses as they will operate in a conducive environment.
“We are grateful that the university appreciates the work we do. We complement each other to build our economy because, without their students who are also customers, we could not be in business. We are now optimistic of a great comeback and prays that Covid-19 will be fully defeated to help us grow,” Roselyn Lusesi, a beneficiary said.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been struggling for survival since the onset of Covid-19 in the country
Lack of financial muscles, low sales, high cost of doing businesses and unreliable value chains have compounded their already dire situation.
The government’s stringent lockdown measures which included a ban on local and international flights further intensified their woes pushing many out of business.
