The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA)has conducted a mentorship session for young entrepreneurs in Mandera County, bringing together beneficiaries of the NYOTA Business Support programme to strengthen their enterprise skills and boost business growth.
Held in Township Ward, the session brought together 18 youth entrepreneurs engaged in retail, tailoring, and agribusiness for the second phase of mentorship under the initiative.
The meeting, hosted at a local boutique business, provided a vibrant and practical setting for participants to exchange experiences and lessons from their entrepreneurial journeys.
Participants openly shared the challenges they faced when starting their businesses, as well as the progress they have made since receiving support.
The interactive forum created space for peer learning, with mentors guiding discussions on practical strategies to improve business performance.
Key areas of focus included understanding customer needs, enhancing product offerings, and creating unique value propositions to remain competitive in local markets.
Mentors also emphasised the importance of strategic business decisions such as location, visibility, and branding as critical drivers of growth and sustainability.
The NYOTA programme, implemented by MSEA, aims to empower young people with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to build resilient enterprises and create sustainable livelihoods.
Through structured mentorship sessions, beneficiaries are equipped to navigate common business challenges and scale their operations effectively.
Officials noted that such engagements are crucial in nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved regions, by fostering innovation, resilience, and market-driven thinking.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth-led enterprises across the country, positioning small businesses as a key pillar in driving economic growth and job creation.