Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, has reinforced the government’s commitment to Micro and Small Enterprises growth by leading a series of grassroots sensitization forums on Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) programs across Kakamega, Vihiga, and Nandi counties.
The forums, conducted under the Mashinani Outreach Program, focused on expanding awareness of two initiatives: the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) and Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) projects.
The NYOTA project targets young people by offering comprehensive support including life skills training, business development services, startup grants, and mentorship to foster entrepreneurship and employability.
The KJET project, on the other hand, aims to boost job creation and enterprise competitiveness by investing in MSEs through value chain strengthening, capacity building, and co-financing for productive assets. Both projects are critical pillars of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), designed to empower youth, women, and micro and small enterprises nationwide.
Strengthening MSEs in Ikolomani
At a vibrant forum in Ikolomani Constituency, Kakamega County, CS Oparanya led over a thousand MSEs in discussions on opportunities available for youth, women, and entrepreneurs through MSEA programs. He emphasized the national government’s commitment to empowering small businesses as a vehicle for inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction.
Cabinet Secretary, Cooperatives and MSME development Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya Addresses the youth in Ikolomani.
Speaking alongside Hon. Bernard Shinali, Member of Parliament for Ikolomani, the CS highlighted the NYOTA and KJET projects as game-changers, offering pathways for young people to build sustainable businesses through business training, mentorship, startup capital, and market linkages.
Hon. Shinali urged the youth of Ikolomani to take full advantage of these opportunities to transform their lives and communities.
The MSEA team, led by senior officials including Dr. Caroline Kaua (Director, Business Development and Trade), Maureen Chogo (Registrar of MSEs), Eng. Edward Karani (Director, Infrastructure Development, Technology and Innovation), and Mr. Edward Munoru (Deputy Coordinator, KJET Project), facilitated interactive sessions on business formalization, funding access, training, and technology support.
As part of their support to local enterprises, MSEA distributed Common User Machines including woodworking, welding, carwash, and sewing machines to MSE associations in the constituency, a boost expected to enhance production quality and drive local job creation.
VIHIGA
Following the successful forum in Ikolomani, MSEA in partnership with Vihiga County Women Representative, Hon. Beatrice Adagala, held a grassroots sensitization forum in Vihiga County. Here, the focus remained on demystifying the NYOTA and KJET projects and ensuring that entrepreneurs at the community level are well-informed and well-equipped to benefit.
Hon. Adagala urged the youth and local entrepreneurs to embrace the support provided through NYOTA, emphasizing the role of youth-led businesses in driving economic growth.
Led by Eng. Edward Karani, the MSEA team took participants through the NYOTA application process and outlined the full range of support available, including, business development training, access to startup capital, mentorship, and linkages to local and national markets. Mr. Munoru similarly unpacked the benefits of the KJET Project, which provides co-investment support and business development services along targeted value chains.
Dr. Caroline Kaua underlined the importance of MSE formalization to unlock broader access to financing and government support, while MSEA’s Vihiga County Head, Mr. Maobe, celebrated local entrepreneurs who were showcasing their innovations at the forum.
As part of the engagement, MSEA distributed additional Common User Machines to local enterprises, continuing the Authority’s commitment to enhancing productivity and value addition among grassroots MSEs.
Aldai, Nandi: Expanding the Reach of Youth Empowerment Initiatives
The momentum continued in Aldai Constituency, Nandi County, where MSEA, in collaboration with Hon. MaryAnn Kitany, Member of Parliament for Aldai, hosted another sensitization forum focused on expanding access to NYOTA and KJET opportunities.
Hon. Kitany rallied young people to seize the moment, encouraging them to step into entrepreneurship and become agents of local economic transformation.
During the forum, Mr. Evans Bullut, KJET Project Coordinator, detailed how the project supports MSEs through value chain strengthening, equipment co-investment, and business training. NYOTA Program Officer Ms. Evelyn Chemutai also sensitized participants on NYOTA’s empowerment package, which includes mentorship, business training, and startup support.
MSEA’s Nandi County Lead, Ms. Wilter Moraa, emphasized the urgency of applications, reminding participants of the fast-approaching NYOTA application deadline on 15th May 2025.
These grassroots sensitization forums reflect the government’s efforts to ensure that information and opportunities reach every corner of the country. By working hand in hand with Members of Parliament and local leaders, MSEA is building a more inclusive support system for micro and small enterprises. With projects like NYOTA and KJET, the government is laying the foundation for sustainable job creation, enterprise growth, and national economic transformation.
Pictorial highlights from the event.
