TCF unveils Sh10m fund to support community tourism

The Tourism Finance Cooperation (TFC) has today signed a memorandum of understanding with African Conservation Center to promote small and medium enterprises that showcase cultural heritage products in a bid to give the tourism sector a new face.

During the signing, TFC Acting Managing Director Orumoi Jonah said the move would enable SMEs market their products to a wider clientele. Through the partnership, the tourism Finance Corporation will also offer credit financing, technical expertise as well as education on how to improve the quality of their products in order to match the international standards.

“We want to empower communities to start forming SMEs that will ensure the products that are actually made by these communities are accessible in the local market, they are accessible in international market,” Mr Orumoi said.

TFC has set aside Sh10 million to finance the project that will see the corporation work closely with communities in the country to create Cultural Community Centers that will aid  SMEs showcase their cultural heritage products.

TFC together with ACC have partnered to promote Eco Manyattas, a building technology that uses the green concept to promote the construction of traditional huts with a touch of class.

Other partners in the project include Fecto and Smithsonia that will assist in the marketing and interpretation of culture respectively.

TFC also intends to partner with Jumuia ya Pwani region to market products from the coastal region.

By Beatrice Eghwa