Eldoret: The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), in collaboration 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 focuses particularly on youth and women-led enterprises to help them adapt to emerging technological trends and value addition, aiming to boost profitability and promote sustainable livelihoods.
According to Kenya News Agency, MSEA Regional Manager for North Rift, CPA Alton Kogo, addressed a press briefing during a Policy and Opportunities Awareness Forum for MSMEs in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. Kogo emphasized the authority’s commitment to assisting MSEs in transitioning to the evolving technological landscape, enabling them to connect globally in marketing, branding, and product development.
“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.
Kogo highlighted the government’s investment in equipping MSEs with resources such as computers, laptops, and internet access at industrial centers to facilitate product marketing and global connectivity. He stated that MSEA, in collaboration with SNV IYBA-SEED and other stakeholders, is focusing on digital transformation and literacy while strengthening policy awareness and providing capacity building and training support to young businesses.
The Policy and Opportunities Awareness Forum plays a crucial role in enabling MSE members to exploit government opportunities through programs and support initiatives available at key institutions, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), among others. These institutions delivered presentations on financing, business development services, market access, compliance requirements, and capacity-building programs tailored to MSMEs.
The forum convened over 160 MSMEs from various sectors, facilitating engagement with key public and private stakeholders on available opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and support services. The event provided a platform for dialogue, networking, and learning, empowering MSMEs with the knowledge and tools to grow and align with national and county development goals.
Nduta Ndirangu, Project Manager of IYBA-SEED at SNV, acknowledged the challenges MSEs face, such as access to finance, markets, and regulatory policies. The policy awareness forum offers them an opportunity to understand these challenges and strategize ways to become competitive.
Uasin Gishu Chief Officer for Youth and Sports, CPA Victorine Kapkiyai, commended MSEA and other agencies for their coordinated efforts. She highlighted the significance of MSEs in Kenya’s economy and affirmed the county administration’s obligation to institute policies that enhance ease of doing business for youth and women-led MSEs.
“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 programs 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 gratitude to MSEA, SNV, and their partners for enlightening them on policy and entrepreneurship opportunities available through various government institutions. He noted that such forums bridge the information gap for many informal sector players and emphasized the importance of knowledge in exploring opportunities and growing ventures, contributing to sustainable economic empowerment.