james wika 
Victor Otieno is the managing director of Viffa Consult.
- Viffa Consult Statement On The Withdrawal Of Finance Bill 20204;
Viffa Consult stands in solidarity with the people of Kenya especially MSMEs and Startups who are the backbone of Kenya’s economy during these challenging times.
The Counsult condemns the violence and police brutality witnessed during the demonstrations and we extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and whose lives have been forever shattered.
They welcome president’s decision to withdraw the finance bill 2024 in response to public outcry led by Genearation Z (GenZ). This is a testament to the youth’s love for their country and the president’s aspiration to be a leader that serves rather than be served.
However,they say, proposed austerity measures and multi stakeholder engagement to address pertinent economic challenges faced by Kenya.
Viffa is committed to driving evidence based MSMEs and Startup policy discourse to improve the business environment in Kenya and seeks to ensure that pertinent matters that can unlock the full potential of MSMEs and Startups are given the highest priority cognizant that they are the only way to create economic opportunities for our youth and expand the country’s economic output underpinned on a progressive digital economy policy and regulatory environment.
Viffa proposes the following matters to be considered in future policy conversation going forward;
1. Legal recognition of startups in law similar to MSMEs under MSME Act 2012
2. De Risking startups through market access-This entails a review of PFM Act 2012 to allow startups
get minimum allocation in digitization procurement opportunities in both national and county
governments similar to AGPO as a way of providing cheap financing and de-risking through access to
markets.
3. Focus on reducing cost of doing business for startups and MSMEs through review of license regime
especially at the counties eg CESS that impedes agriculture and agro processing
4. Startup VISA
5. Comprehensive tax incentive to startups ie Investment allowances for digital platforms under income
tax act among others
6. Collaboration between private sector innovation hubs and county governments
7. Collaboration of startup and MSME Entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) and national
government
Viffa remains committed to advocating for policies that create a conducive enabling environment for MSMEs and Startups in Kenya and the African continent. Viffa is desirous to participate in the proposed multi stakeholder discourse to ensure that concerns of entrepreneurs in the digital economy including ; Startups and MSMEs are addressed Kenya is for all of us, we have no other place to call home hence policy and laws must work for our benefit and not a burden
