NAIROBI, Kenya, July 8 – The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) and development organisation SNV have expanded efforts to strengthen Kenya’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through a series of business policy awareness forums aimed at connecting entrepreneurs with government support programmes and financing opportunities.
The forums, held in Uasin Gishu and Kisumu counties under the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa (IYBA)-SEED Project, brought together entrepreneurs, financial institutions, government agencies, development partners and academia to improve collaboration within the enterprise ecosystem.
MSEA Senior Assistant Director Tabitha Gicheru said the forums are designed to equip entrepreneurs with information on business policies, regulatory requirements and support programmes available to help them grow their businesses.
She noted that Kenya’s estimated 7.4 million MSMEs remain the backbone of the economy and urged entrepreneurs to improve product quality and comply with standards to access local, regional and international markets.
“The Government continues to work closely with partners such as SNV, the Women Enterprise Fund, Youth Enterprise Development Fund and other institutions to support MSME growth. These forums provide valuable networking opportunities, enabling entrepreneurs to learn from one another while connecting directly with institutions offering financial and non-financial business development services,” said Gicheru.
SNV IYBA-SEED Project Manager Nduta Ndirangu said stronger collaboration between government, development partners, financial institutions, academia and the private sector is essential to building a more competitive and inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem.
“Meaningful collaboration among government, the private sector, development partners, academia and entrepreneurs is essential in creating sustainable businesses and expanding opportunities for youth- and women-led enterprises,” said Ndirangu.
The forums also featured presentations from institutions including the Kenya Revenue Authority, Equity Bank, I&M Bank, National Bank, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the University of Eldoret, highlighting opportunities under initiatives such as the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme and the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project.
Participants also engaged in discussions on business formalisation, access to finance and government support programmes aimed at strengthening enterprise growth.
