The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA)actively participated in the 9th Devolution Conference 2025, held in Homa Bay County under the theme: “For People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice.”
The event, officially opened by H.E. the President Dr. William Ruto brought together more than 12,000 delegates from all 47 counties and internationally, including government leaders, development partners, the private sector, and grassroots entrepreneurs.
The President emphasized the importance of people-first programs, urging counties to prioritize investments that bring services closer to citizens. He encouraged the Council of Governors to leverage technology for optimal service delivery and to eliminate corruption as a barrier to equitable growth. These priorities resonate strongly with MSEA’s mandate to support micro and small enterprises as engines of inclusive economic growth.
Throughout the week, MSEA showcased its programs and partnerships, highlighting business development services, financing opportunities, and market access initiatives that are enabling entrepreneurs across Kenya to thrive. Delegates visiting the MSEA stand engaged directly with micro and small enterprises, interacting with innovators and learning about the diverse products and services that are shaping local economies. Notable exhibitors included; Florence Musumba of Star of the Lake Community-Based Organization, who is adding value to omena by turning it into snacks with a two-year lifespan, as well as producing amaranth crisps and flour, Clive Odhiambo, founder of Ndhiwa Creamy Peanut, who processes pure, locally grown groundnuts at MSEA’s Ndhiwa Enterprise Development Centre and Dabrat Okanda from NYAWEST Forest Conservation Association, who focuses on forest conservation, alongside sunflower and cassava value addition. One of the renowned guests being the Ag. CEO of the National Youth Council Ms. Gloria Wawira, who interacted with the entrepreneurs and explored opportunities for collaboration to strengthen youth-led enterprises.
MSEA Board Directors Anthony Mwangi, Florence Were and John Kihonge accompanied by MSEA Directors for Corporate Services and Infrastructure Development Eric Owino and Edward Karani respectively and Ag. CEO National Youth Council Gloria Wawira interacting with MSEs at the MSEA booth during the conference
MSEA’s Board leadership was also active in high-level discussions with the Board Chairman Mr. James Mureu attending as a high-level guest, a side event themed “Unlocking County Trade Potential by Strengthening Local Value Chains for Inclusive Growth”, convened by the State Department for Trade and chaired by Principal Secretary Ms. Regina Ombam.
Representing MSEA on a panel discussion in this event was Board Director Felix Chege who spoke on advancing export-oriented trade for MSEs, highlighting how targeted government support ranging from market access initiatives to trade facilitation, can enable small enterprises to scale and compete in regional and global markets.
MSEA Board Chairman Mr. James Mureu, Board Director Felix Chege speaking during a side event themed “Unlocking County Trade Potential by Strengthening Local Value Chains for Inclusive Growth” hosted by State Department for Trade and chaired by Principal Secretary Ms. Regina Ombam.
On the sidelines of the devolution conference, MSEA Board Directors Anthony Mwangi, Florence Were and John Kihonge accompanied by MSEA Directors for Corporate Services and Infrastructure Development Eric Owino and Edward Karani respectively toured Enterprise Development Centres in Homa Bay, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to expanding infrastructure that supports enterprise growth at the county level.
MSEA Board directors at the Homabay Juakali worksite during the field visit.
The week-long conference concluded with a closing ceremony presided over by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki. In his address, the deputy president called for stronger intergovernmental partnerships and emphasized that devolution must remain people-centred to deliver equitable opportunities across Kenya. He further underscored the importance of continued investments in grassroots enterprises, positioning MSEs as the backbone of sustainable county economies.
H.E the Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki making his address during the closing ceremony of the 9th devolution conference
The 9th Devolution Conference 2025 provided MSEA with a powerful platform to showcase its impact, forge new partnerships, and contribute to shaping Kenya’s devolution agenda. As the Authority continues to expand its programs and initiatives, the key lessons from this year’s conference will guide its efforts to ensure that micro and small enterprises remain at the heart of Kenya’s economic transformation.
