COVID-19: BUSINESS E-COACHING FOR KENYAN MSMES

One of COLEACP’s responses to the Covid-19 pandemic was to provide online Business Survival Bootcamps to assist horticultural companies with a critical review of their business performance and cashflow constraints as a direct result of the crisis. A total of 73 Kenyan participants actively participated in these bootcamps during June–July 2020.

As a follow-up, support was available to customise further business support for SMEs under COLEACP’s Fit For Market or NExT Kenya programme. Innovative e-coaching support was designed for horticultural MSMEs and producer groups to assist them to rebuild resilience in preparation for the recovery phase by providing decision-making support and guidance, so that they have the necessary knowledge and information to make informed choices in light of the challenges.

During the second half of 2020, six Kenyan SMEs actively participated in these coaching sessions, which provided valuable feedback on how to address acute business needs. Priorities differed, depending on each company’s unique situation, but covered among others:

• cost and cashflow management
• improved human resources management
• supply chain management.

Mrs Maina, Director of Vert Ltd, a company specialising in fine vegetables and mango processing, reported that the experience provided valuable insights for the company to pivot its operations and verify its assumptions for a new business line.