Riara University Trains Over 660 MSMEs in Partnership with KCB Foundation and KCB Bank

Riara University in partnership with the KCB Foundation and KCB Bank successfully trained over 660 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises across different branches in Nairobi in a comprehensive entrepreneurship and business capacity building programme conducted between February and September 2025. The initiative reflects the University’s commitment to community empowerment enterprise development and practical skills transfer for sustainable economic growth.

The training programme was designed to be practical engaging and learner centered using a blended facilitation approach that moved beyond traditional lecture methods. Participants were engaged through interactive icebreakers structured presentations role playing simulations games discussions and case studies. This participatory model allowed entrepreneurs to apply new knowledge to real business scenarios while encouraging peer learning collaboration and critical thinking.

Across all sessions the curriculum covered Entrepreneurship Sales and Marketing Financial Management and Bookkeeping Business Compliance Business Resilience Stress Management and Work Life Balance as well as advanced tools such as the Business Model Canvas Safeguarding Human Resource Management Branding and the Use of Technology in Business. The holistic content ensured that MSMEs were equipped with both technical and soft skills to strengthen business performance and long term sustainability.

At the Kariobangi Branch three training sessions were conducted between February and September 2025 focusing on Entrepreneurship Sales and Marketing Financial Management and Bookkeeping Business Compliance Business Resilience Stress Management Work Life Balance and the Business Model Canvas.

The River Road Branch hosted four MSME training sessions between March and September 2025 covering key areas such as Entrepreneurship Sales and Marketing Business Compliance Financial Management and Bookkeeping Human Resources and Safeguarding.

At the TRM Branch three sessions were conducted at Sports View Hotel Kasarani between March and September 2025 with participants trained in Entrepreneurship Sales and Marketing Business Compliance Financial Management and Bookkeeping Business Resilience Stress Management Work Life Balance and Safeguarding.

The Kasarani Branch facilitated two additional sessions at Sports View Hotel Kasarani in March and September 2025 with a strong emphasis on Entrepreneurship Business Resilience Stress Management Work Life Balance Sales and Marketing Branding Compliance Financial Management Safeguarding and the Use of Technology in Business.

Dr. Julius Otundo from Riara University engaging with a participant during the River Road Bootcamp.

Riara University Coordinators Ms. Anne Mburu from Kariobangi Ms. Faustine Naule from TRM and Ms. Dorothy Oduor from River Road overseeing participant registration at the River Road Bootcamp.

Dr. Zephania Opati Ms. Charity Njimu Ms. Dorothy Oduor and Ms. Anne Mburu during an introduction session at the River Road branch.

Dr. Zephania Opati Introducing the project to KCB MSMEs at Kariobangi

Ms. Scola Mwangi during training session for Kasarani  Branch

Ms. Pauline Kimeu from Riara University at a session on social media marketing during the boot camp at Sportsview Hotel Kasarani Branch.

Throughout the programme Riara University faculty and coordinators provided hands on mentorship and continuous engagement with the MSME participants. Facilitators including Dr. Otundo, Dr. Opati, Ms. Scola Mwangi, Ms. Pauline Kimeu, Ms. Charity Njimu and the branch coordinators Ms. Anne Mburu, Ms. Faustine Naule and Ms. Dorothy Oduor played a central role in guiding entrepreneurs through practical business application exercises and reflective learning sessions.

The MSME boot camps recorded high levels of participation engagement and feedback with many entrepreneurs reporting improved business planning stronger financial management practices and renewed confidence in scaling their enterprises.

This collaboration between Riara University the KCB Foundation and KCB Bank continues to demonstrate the power of academia and industry partnerships in building resilient businesses and strengthening Kenya’s grassroots economy.