Iten: The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has entered into a significant partnership with Elgeyo Marakwet County to foster the development of cottage industries, aiming to boost local trade and entrepreneurship. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines a strategic framework for empowering local business owners with training, seed capital, and loans facilitated by the Master Card Foundation through KNCCI. According to Kenya News Agency, the County Executive Committee (CEC) member in charge of Trade, Robert Kangogo, emphasized the comprehensive support the MOU will offer to the local business community. Kangogo highlighted that the initiative includes a grassroots sensitization exercise to encourage business owners to register with KNCCI. Additionally, the program will focus on enhancing financial literacy and governance among entrepreneurs. During the signing ceremony in Iten, Laura Kandie from KNCCI detailed the benefits of the partn ership. She noted that KNCCI would provide crucial networking opportunities that allow business owners, entrepreneurs, and county government representatives to exchange ideas and explore collaborative business ventures. The MOU also ensures that business owners will have a say in the development of crucial business-related county legislation, such as finance acts. Further, KNCCI commits to developing a comprehensive database for traders, accrediting registered members, and issuing certificates. The organization will also leverage its network to bring partners and donors to invest in the county and support Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) with access to credit facilities, business advisory services, and market linkages. On its part, Elgeyo Marakwet County will ensure that KNCCI has representation in all levels of decision-making, from ward development committees to municipal and county boards. This inclusion aims to articulate and safeguard the interests of business owners effectively. The county also plans to ensure that all contractors and traders operating within the region are duly registered and affiliated with the KNCCI Elgeyo Marakwet chapter.