Uwezo Fund and the Future of Inclusive MSME Financing in Kenya
Uwezo Fund remains a key catalytic financing instrument under the State Department for MSMEs, designed to expand access to affordable credit for youth, women, and persons with disabilities at the constituency level.
During the 2026 Strategic Board Retreat held at Machakos University, Principal Secretary MSMEs reiterated the unique and strategic position Uwezo Fund occupies in supporting the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, especially in enabling MSMEs to grow and scale. She also commended Uwezo Fund for its support of the Government’s Labour Export Program by financing Kenyans who have secured employment opportunities abroad under the Kazi Majuu initiative.
Looking ahead, they will integrate Uwezo Fund more fully into the MSMEs credit ecosystem, strengthen collaboration with similar financing initiatives, and accelerate digitisation to simplify registration, qualification, and disbursement processes. These reforms will enhance efficiency, improve access, and increase the capacity of the fund to be a job creation pipeline for Kenyans.