MSMEs Connect
The Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development ,FCPA Oparanya has called on the County governments to support MSMEs through friendly policies, streamlined licensing, and infrastructure development.
Speaking during the inaugural launch of Kenya Public-Private Sector MSMEs Dialogue Forum #MSMEsConnect launch, Oparanya recognized the Government efforts of supporting the sector.
"For the first time in Kenya’s history, a dedicated Ministry for MSMEs Development has been established under the leadership of President William Ruto, providing an institutional framework to drive the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). "
The MSMEs Connect marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to strengthen the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector and recognizes the critical role of MSMEs in Kenya’s economic transformation and enhance economic participation at the grassroots level by addressing key challenges faced by MSMEs.
PS Susan Mangeni, in her address, emphasized the importance of knowledge and networking in helping small businesses access opportunities. She quoted, "The greatest knowledge is knowing how to know," underscoring the need for MSMEs to understand how to navigate financial and market .
The MSMEs Connect platform will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs to:
Strengthen policies, regulations, and legal frameworks supporting MSMEs,implement targeted interventions for MSME development,enhance financial inclusion and market access through supply chain integration,improve productivity and competitiveness of small enterprises and promote partnerships and networking within the MSME ecosystem.
Mangeni recognized key government programs supporting MSMEs, including Kenya Industrial Estate, the UWEZO Fund, and the Hustler Fund. She also highlighted ongoing regulatory reforms to decriminalize informal work and recognize MSMEs as key contributors to economic growth.
One inspiring story she shared was that of Felix, a young entrepreneur who leveraged government procurement opportunities to build his business, eventually becoming the first Kenyan to own a trading company under the AFCFTA framework.
With MSMEs Connect, Kenya is laying the groundwork for a thriving, inclusive, and globally competitive MSME sector, unlocking new opportunities for small businesses across the country.
This initiative will be rolled out in all 47 counties, providing MSMEs with a chance to dialogue with key stakeholders and showcase their products and innovations.