Contractors in Nyanza and Western trained on financing, growth

At least 170 young contractors from Nyanza and Western Kenya have gathered in Kisumu for a training programme aimed at improving their access to financing, technical skills and business opportunities in the construction sector. 

The empowerment initiative, organised by the National Construction Authority (NCA) in collaboration with the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority and Mabati Rolling Mills, targets contractors registered under NCA categories five to eight. 

NCA general manager for construction research, business development and capacity building Chrispus Ndinyo said the authority was focused on helping youth-led firms gain the knowledge and connections necessary to compete in the industry. 

He spoke during the Youth Contractor Empowerment Programme in Kisumu on Thursday.

Ndinyo said many young contractors struggle to secure affordable financing, limiting their ability to execute projects and expand their businesses. 

“We are bringing together youthful contractors and institutions that can support them financially and technically so they can grow and sustain their enterprises,” he said. 

The forum attracted participants from county governments, financial institutions, construction firms and industry regulators, who discussed issues such as labour mobility, enterprise management, innovation in building materials and proper record-keeping to improve access to funding and markets. 

According to Ndinyo, the programme forms part of a broader national campaign by the NCA to improve professionalism and standards in the construction sector. 

He said the authority had already trained about 8,000 contractors this financial year through its Continuous Professional Development programme and plans to hold 15 similar forums across the country.

Ndinyo said strengthening contractors’ technical skills would help reduce cases of substandard construction works.

“When contractors understand modern building methods and industry standards, they are able to deliver quality projects,” he said, adding the Building Code 2024 would guide compliance and best practices in the sector.

Youth Enterprise Development Fund head of market access and innovation Daniel Mathenge said the programme was designed to help young contractors overcome financial barriers.

“We know financing exists in the market, but in many cases it is not affordable to young people. We are providing financing solutions that are tailored to youth contractors,” Mathenge said.

He said the fund supports contractors, who have secured tenders from national and county governments, enabling them to implement projects without cash flow challenges. 

“If a contractor has been awarded a tender and has the required documents, we can provide financing to help them complete the project,” he said.

Mathenge said the fund was also offering mentorship, coaching and market linkages to help young entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses in the construction industry. 

Elson Okio, the Kisumu branch manager for Mabati Rolling Mills, said the company partnered with the NCA to address skills gaps among young people entering the sector.

He said the firm, through the Mabati Technical Training Institute in Mariakani, provides technical training to equip youth with practical construction skills. 

Kisumu county urban planner Frida Odhiambo urged contractors to familiarise themselves with the county’s newly launched Local Physical and Land Development Plan to ensure compliance and position themselves for emerging opportunities. 

She pointed to expected opportunities in affordable housing projects and World Bank-funded developments in municipalities such as Ahero. 

“They should ensure they have all the required compliance documents so they can benefit from upcoming projects,” she said.