The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) has urged small-scale entrepreneurs in Isiolo County to organise themselves into cooperatives and business associations to enhance their chances of accessing government grants, credit facilities, and other enterprise development programs.
Speaking during a business exhibition in Isiolo Town, MSEA Chief Executive Officer Henry Rithaa said the initiative supports the government’s wider economic transformation plan focused on empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.
Mr. Rithaa said that formally organized groups are more likely to benefit from coordinated support systems, improved resource access, and structured interventions aimed at strengthening business growth and competitiveness.
He emphasised that cooperatives and associations are instrumental in helping small enterprises tackle shared challenges such as limited access to markets, insufficient financing, and skills or capacity limitations.
“Through training initiatives, stakeholder collaboration, and institutional backing, MSEA seeks to establish resilient business networks that can foster innovation, generate employment, and advance inclusive economic development,” Rithaa said.
He pointed out that sectors such as camel milk production and marketing, poultry and horticulture farming, livestock trade, leather processing, and arts and crafts stand to gain significantly from the program.
Mr. Rithaa encouraged the local camel milk producers to focus on value addition to maximise profits, noting that government funding initiatives could help them acquire necessary machinery and set up processing plants.
He cited the upcoming Isiolo modern abattoir as a major opportunity for livestock farmers and traders, while advising local producers to position themselves to meet the expected rise in livestock demand once the facility becomes operational.
Isiolo Deputy Governor Dr. James Lowasa observed that the completion of the Isiolo Aggregation Centre alongside the modern abattoir would stimulate commercial activity and reinforce the county’s economic development.
Dr. Lowasa also appealed to investors to consider establishing leather tanning facilities to complement the abattoir and enhance value addition within the livestock industry.
Isiolo County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga called on entrepreneurs to fully utilize government programmes designed to promote business growth and improve livelihoods.
He encouraged the local people to seek financial support for their economic activities and ensure they undertake the businesses with discipline so as to make profits and repay the funds while uplifting the living standards.
By David Nduro
