The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), in partnership with SNV, Investing in Young Businesses in Africa-Supporting Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development (IYBA SEED), has committed to empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Uasin Gishu County.
The initiative will especially focus on youth- and women-led enterprises so as to adapt to the emerging trends in technology and value addition in order to boost profitability and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking in a press briefing during a Policy and Opportunities Awareness Forum for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, MSEA Regional Manager for North Rift, CPA Alton Kogo, emphasised the authority’s zeal and support for MSEs to transition to the evolving technological world to connect with others globally in terms of marketing their products, branding, product development and more.
“There are a lot of changing trends in the issue of digital transformation. The world is going digital; whatever was done 10 years ago is very different from what is done now in marketing, branding, product development and many other areas. The issue of AI is coming out strongly so we have sessions covering all those changing trends on digital transformation, “noted CPA Kogo.
Noting that the government has invested a lot of resources to ensure that the MSEs are well equipped, the regional manager said MSEA now is focused on equipping the industrial centres with computers and laptops and internet to enable the MSEs to easily market their products, access the world quickly and grow from there.
“Connections with other markets can easily be achieved if the sites are well equipped. We are in the process of working on our industrial centres to ensure MSEs are digitally enabled to adapt to the changing trends in the market,” he added.
He mentioned that MSEA working together with SNV IYBA-SEED and other stakeholders, is focusing on putting more resources into the aspect of digital transformation and literacy while strengthening policy awareness and providing young businesses with capacity building and training support.
He further emphasised the key role played by the authority through the Policy and Opportunities Awareness Forum, which enables MSE members to know and exploit more government opportunities through programmes and support initiatives available at key government institutions, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, NYOTA, Kenya Youth Employment and Training (KJET), Inkomoko, KCB Bank, and the County Government.
The key institutions made detailed presentations focused on financing, business development services, market access, compliance requirements, and capacity-building programmes tailored to MSMEs.
The forum brought together over 160 MSMEs from diverse sectors to engage with key public and private stakeholders on available opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and support services.
The event provided a vital platform for dialogue, networking, and learning, empowering MSMEs with knowledge and tools to grow and formalise their businesses while aligning with national and county development goals.
In her remarks, the Project Manager, IYBA-SEED at SNV, Nduta Ndirangu, acknowledged that MSEs are facing a myriad of challenges like access to finance, access to market, and regulatory policies, and through the policy awareness forum, they get an opportunity to understand how this is going to affect them and strategise ways to help them become competitive in the sector.
On her part, Uasin Gishu Chief officer for Youth and Sports, CPA Victorine Kapkiyai, led a county delegation in appreciating MSEA and other agencies present for a well-coordinated and timely exercise.
She lauded the role MSEs play as the backbone of Kenya’s economy, affirming the county administration’s obligation to institute friendly policies to enhance ease of doing business for youth and women-led MSEs in the Sector.
“This event has come timely to empower youth and women in business and entrepreneurship. The county is keen and focused on supportive business environments like the construction of the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPS), the iconic 64 Market and other programmes like the Fanikisha hustle for youth to ensure they are mainstreamed and upskilled in entrepreneurship and investment,” explained Kapkiyai.
Mr. Elijah Kiambati from the Jua Kali sector expressed his appreciation to MSEA, SNV, and their partners for enlightening them on the policy and entrepreneurship opportunities available through various government institutions.
He noted that such forums play a crucial role in bridging the information gap for many informal sector players.
He emphasised that knowledge is power, and by being made aware of the existing support systems, those previously unaware or in need can now take charge, explore the available opportunities, and grow their ventures.
This, he added, would significantly contribute to improving their livelihoods and promoting sustainable economic empowerment.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
