MSEA participated in a Market Linkage Forum held in Kibera, Lang’ata Constituency organized by Technoserve in collaboration with the National Duka Owners Umbrella Organization (NDO), bringing together MSEs from various sectors including retail, processing, financial services, digital technology, and solar milling.
Moments captured dring the forum.
The forum served as a strategic platform to bridge the gap between small retailers and manufacturers, facilitating vital connections with reliable suppliers, processors, and service providers. These linkages are critical for enhancing product quality, affordability, and traceability, key drivers of competitiveness for grassroots enterprises.
Various MSEs exhibiting their products at the forum.
Representing MSEA CEO Mr. Henry Rithaa, the Registrar of MSEs, Madam Maureen Chogo, delivered a keynote address outlining MSEA’s mandate and the benefits of formalizing businesses. She encouraged business associations and individual entrepreneurs to register with MSEA, noting that formalization is a gateway to accessing opportunities such as the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) program. Through KJET, MSME clusters gain access to technical assistance, co-financing, infrastructure upgrades, and value chain innovations that expand market access and strengthen business linkages.
Madam Chogo also highlighted the ongoing NYOTA Program and called on youth to take advantage of the extended application deadline, now set for 15th May. The program offers a comprehensive startup package comprising KES 50,000 in seed capital, Business Development Training, and mentorship support designed to catalyze the growth of youth-led enterprises.
Registrar of MSEs, Madam Maureen Chogo giving her remarks
In her closing remarks, Madam Chogo commended Technoserve and NDO for organizing a successful and impactful forum. She reiterated MSEA’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s micro and small enterprise sector through partnerships, capacity-building, and market linkages that uplift local entrepreneurs and drive inclusive economic development.
Moments captured during the forum.
The National Duka Owners Umbrella Organization (NDO), established in November 2023, is a national body representing micro-retailers across Kenya. Its core mission is to amplify the voice of duka (shop) owners by promoting collective growth through advocacy, partnerships, and shared services. With strong backing and oversight from MSEA, NDO was successfully registered as a formal entity, positioning it to engage meaningfully with both public and private stakeholders in shaping the micro-retail ecosystem.
