WINKY FARMS EXPANDS INTO GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICES THROUGH THE UPSCALING OF MANUFACTURING SMES IN NATURAL PRODUCT CLUSTERS PROGRAM

As a start-up, Winky Farms faced a lot of challenges. Some of them were lack of processes and lack of understanding on how to run the business properly. According to Solomon, lack of proper systems to help the business grow was one of his major challenges. “Doing things very ‘Jua kali’ without any form of formalization was an issue” Solomon explained.
To seek solutions for some of these challenges, Solomon joined the Invest in Africa and GIZ program on Upscaling Manufacturing SMEs in Natural Product Clusters in Kenya and Uganda. The program involved five modules namely access to finance, access to markets, new product development, good manufacturing practices, and transparency and traceability.
One of the sessions Solomon attended in the program was about good manufacturing practices, where he learned and understood the importance of having a process flow chart. “It is important to have a breakdown of good manufacturing processes so  that you can improve the quality of the product and have a standardized process” he said. Through the practical application of the lessons and guidelines from this class, Solomon was able to develop a process flow chart, which has streamlined Winky Farms production.
Through the program, Solomon was able to network with fellow SMEs who were enrolled in the program and he was able to get market access for his product by obtaining contacts and liaising with leads in a bid to convert to clients. He was able to manage relationships with most of the SMEs for future business opportunities.
Winky farm is planning on getting into export market by implementing the Phy2App, a digital transparency and traceability tool. This will help the buyers understand the value chain so that people can know the story behind the business and identify where the chocolate is from.

Winky farms was one of the 40 enterprises from Kenya and Uganda that participated in a program to upscale manufacturing SMEs in natural products. The program was implemented by Invest in Africa (IIA) in partnership with GIZ Business Scouts for Development.