The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), in collaboration with the Office of the Member of Parliament for Imenti South Constituency, held a sensitization and equipment issuance forum to strengthen grassroots enterprise development. The event, officiated by MSEA CEO Mr. Henry Rithaa and hosted by Hon. Dr. Shadrack Mwiti, marked a key milestone in advancing the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda through targeted support to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).
As part of Mashinani Outreach Program, the initiative brought together national and county stakeholders with a shared goal of equipping MSEs with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to grow and formalize their businesses. The Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat, represented by Technical Lead on MSMEs Mr. Robert Mugambi and advisors Ms. Esther Mukiri and Mr. Charles Kemboi, commended the event as a practical demonstration of the government’s commitment to uplifting small businesses.
Speaking during the forum, Mr. Rithaa emphasized that MSEA’s support goes beyond policy—it is about unlocking real solutions for everyday challenges faced by MSEs. “Through access to skills training, appropriate equipment, marketing platforms, and financial linkages, we are positioning MSEs for sustainable growth and job creation,” he noted.
MSEA CEO, Mr. Henry Rithaa speaking during the event in Imenti South.
Director of Business Development, Marketing and Trade, Dr. Caroline Kaua, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the machinery distribution was aligned with MSEA’s broader strategy to enhance the productivity, formalization, and long-term viability of small enterprises.
Deputy Coordinators for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) and Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) projects led sessions to educate MSEs on how to access support. NYOTA provides youth with training, mentorship, startup capital, and market linkages, while KJET focuses on enterprise growth through co-investment in tools and business development services along priority value chains.
Deputy Coordinators for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) and Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) projects, Mr. Patrick and Mr. Munoru (left).
In a major boost to the sector, 22 MSE associations from six wards in South Imenti received equipment tailored to their industries—woodwork, metal fabrication, leather processing, salon and beauty, vehicle diagnostics, carwash operations, and more. These shared-use machines are expected to reduce production costs, improve product quality, and help businesses scale competitively.
The event also demonstrated strong intergovernmental collaboration. Representing the Meru County leadership, CEC for Sports, Youth Affairs, Gender and Social Development, Mr. Elias Murega and Mr. Douglas Mwebia reiterated their commitment to working with MSEA to provide technical training, workspaces, and financing pathways to local entrepreneurs.
Also present were the Meru County Commissioner Mr. Jacob Ouma and representatives from national programs including Ajira Digital, Youth Fund, Kenya Industrial Estates, and the Women Enterprise Fund, underlining the integrated approach the government is taking to support small business growth.
Pictorial highlights from the event
