NAIROBI, Kenya, May 13 – Britam Holdings Plc has brought together more than 100 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Thika for the Britam Biashara Network forum aimed at helping entrepreneurs navigate economic challenges and grow sustainable businesses.
The forum, themed “Unlocking SME Potential and Growth in Kenya: Profits Under Pressure,” brought together entrepreneurs, financial experts and partners, including Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and HFC Limited.
Speaking during the event, Britam Chief Operating Officer Leonard Chirchir said SMEs remain critical to Kenya’s economy and require support that goes beyond financial protection.
“Thika is built on the resilience, determination and innovation of hardworking entrepreneurs who create jobs, grow industries and keep the economy moving,” he said.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Kenya has more than 7.4 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), employing over 14.9 million people and contributing between 30 and 34 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
The sector also accounts for more than 90 percent of private enterprises in the country.
Chief guest James Muriithi, who is the CEO of Savannah Mabati Ltd, urged businesses to embrace technology, partnerships and consistency to survive tough economic conditions.
“SMEs are not small players in the economy; they are the engine that powers Kenya’s growth story,” he said.
Britam said the Thika forum is part of its nationwide initiative to support entrepreneurs through networking, knowledge-sharing and strategic partnerships.
