The Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development in partnership with Nation Media Group held the 6th Edition of the SMEs Conference & Expo 2025 held from 26th to 28th March 2025 themed “Empowering SMEs to Innovate for Resilience.” The event provided a crucial platform for entrepreneurs, policymakers, financial institutions, and industry experts to deliberate on key issues affecting the growth and sustainability of MSMEs in Kenya.
Speaking during the official launch of the Expo, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Hon. Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya EGH, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the MSME sector as part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He emphasized the critical role MSMEs play in the economy, citing data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) indicating that the sector employs approximately 15 million Kenyans. To support MSMEs’ growth, the government has established a robust institutional framework designed to enhance market access, productivity, competitiveness, and strategic partnerships. A key initiative under this framework is the recently launched MSME Connect platform, which aims to create a more interconnected and thriving business ecosystem for small enterprises.
Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Hon. Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya giving his remarks.
A major highlight of the conference was the discussion on financial inclusion, with the CS outlining various government-backed funding programs aimed at providing affordable credit to small businesses. He spotlighted the Hustler Fund Bridge Loan, offering MSMEs access to up to KES 150,000 repayable within 30 days. Additionally, he underscored the importance of other state-backed financial schemes, including the Uwezo Fund, Youth Fund, Women Fund, and the broader Hustler Fund, which collectively serve to expand financing options for entrepreneurs.
Beyond financial support, the government is working to enhance regional and international market linkages for MSMEs. CS Oparanya highlighted the success of last year’s EAC Expo in Juba, South Sudan, where over 500 Kenyan businesses showcased their products and services, unlocking new cross-border trade opportunities. He encouraged MSMEs to form cooperatives, noting that Kenya’s cooperative movement boasts KES 1.2 trillion in national savings, with KES 1 trillion already disbursed as loans to MSMEs.
MSEA CEO Mr. Henry Rithaa and The Head of Secretariat Uwezo Fund Peter Lengapiani during the launch.
Throughout the conference, various panel discussions delved into pressing issues affecting MSMEs and explored strategies to drive their long-term sustainability and growth. Key topics covered included innovative financing for MSMEs, where panelists discussed alternative funding models beyond traditional banking, such as venture capital, angel investments, and crowd-funding. Experts from the Hustler Fund, Uwezo Fund, and Youth Fund provided insights into government-backed financing solutions.
Market expansion and export readiness were also a major focus, with discussions on product standardization, trade policies, and strategies for tapping into international markets, particularly within the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Another significant discussion revolved around the role of technology in MSME growth, with industry leaders emphasizing the importance of digital transformation for small businesses through e-commerce, mobile banking solutions, and digital tools that can streamline operations and boost competitiveness.
MSEA CEO Mr. Henry Rithaa, Chief Operating Officer Monica Ndung’u, Kenya Climate Innovation Center CEO Joseph Murabula during the launch.
Additionally, policy and regulatory frameworks were addressed, with representatives from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), and Strathmore Business School sharing insights on tax incentives, regulatory compliance, and policies that create a more enabling environment for MSMEs. Sustainability and green entrepreneurship also took center stage, with discussions exploring how MSMEs can adopt sustainable production methods and leverage green financing options. The Kenya Climate Innovation Center played a key role in guiding businesses on eco-friendly solutions. The MSEA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Henry Rithaa accompanied by other State Agencies CEO’s toured the pavilion where MSMEs were exhibiting their products, engaging directly with entrepreneurs to understand their challenges, successes, and aspirations.
MSEA CEO Mr. Henry Rithaa accompanied by other state agencies CEOs interacting with the exhibiting MSEs.
The three-day expo and conference proved to be a game-changer for the MSME sector. Entrepreneurs had a unique opportunity to showcase their products and services, network with potential investors, and gain valuable insights from industry experts. The presence of major stakeholders, including Nation Media Group, Uwezo Fund, Kenya Industrial Estates, EPZA, Hustler Fund, Youth Fund, Strathmore Business School, Kenya Revenue Authority, and Kenya Climate Innovation Center, underscored the event’s significance in shaping the future of small businesses in Kenya. By fostering discussions on financial inclusion, market access, and innovation, the conference reinforced the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that MSMEs remain at the heart of Kenya’s economic transformation.
The knowledge, resources, and partnerships gained from the expo are expected to propel many MSMEs towards greater resilience, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability.
As the event concluded, the resounding message was clear: Kenya’s MSME sector is poised for growth. With the right policies, financing, and innovation, small businesses will continue to thrive as the backbone of the economy.
