Startup - September 15, 2020

Kenyan SMEs to Get free Websites from Google

September 15, 2020

3 min read

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya are in for good times because Google is set to give them free websites. This is part of the global tech giant’s plans to empower African SMEs by positioning them online whilst increasing their visibility to customers across the world.

This development was disclosed by the Country Director of Google Kenya and East Africa, Agnes Gathaiya, who said that Google had established an SME hub called Google My Business which aims to assist small and medium enterprises to gain online presence.

Speaking during the launch of ‘Rising Together’, another Google project which reportedly cost Sh325 million and is targeted mainly at women, Ms Gathaiya said the free websites will enable SMEs to become “visible across the globe enabling shoppers to find them as well as linking them to customers looking for their products.”

Apparently, Google My Business comes with a market finder facility which enables linkages between the SMEs and customers from anywhere in the world. It will also avail businesses with real-time information that will enable them to sell to customers anywhere in the world.

“Logistics, taxes as well as market networks are key in today’s business environment. The SMEs, who have also been suffering from disrupted supply chains due to the Covid-19 pandemic, can now also search with ease for genuine suppliers of raw materials,” Gathaiya explained.

Note that Google has been committed to helping African SMEs and startups grow. Just yesterday, Business Elites Africa reported about the graduation of 20 startups from Google’s virtual Accelerator Programme. At least, 7 out of these 20 startups are based in Kenya.

Also recently, Google launched a Sh125 million grant to 500 Kenyan through a partnership with GiveDirectly, a non-governmental relief agency. Thanks to this partnership, Sh6,500 stipend for six months will be given to each beneficiary, thereby culminating in a ShSh125,000 non-refundable grant. This is intended to enable these women to scale up their businesses.