The second edition of the Kenya Public-Private Sector MSME Dialogue, dubbed as MSMEs Connect, was held in Embu County on 6th June 2025. The forum brought together representatives from national and county governments, development partners, private sector institutions, financial bodies, academia, and MSMEs from across the region for a full-day engagement focused on policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, and enterprise support.
As the first county-level engagement following the national launch in March 2025, the Embu edition marks a significant step in the government’s effort to strengthen public-private collaboration and foster inclusive, localized development for MSMEs. The dialogue aims to provide a structured platform for micro and small enterprises to share their experiences and challenges, while enabling stakeholders to respond with timely, practical solutions.
Speaking during the event, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for MSME Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, outlined key priorities under the MSME agenda. These include the decriminalization of informal work, particularly for hawkers and boda boda operators; the creation of a more enabling policy and regulatory environment through initiatives like the proposed single business permit regime; and enhanced financial inclusion through the Hustler Fund and other lending mechanisms. She emphasized the need to restore dignity in borrowing and urged MSMEs to take advantage of available tools to strengthen their financial standing.
PS State Department for MSMEs Hon. Susan Mang’eni, interacting with MSEs exhibiting at the event.
The Principal Secretary also highlighted market access as a critical enabler for MSME growth, noting Kenya’s upcoming hosting of the East African MSMEs Trade Fair. Academic institutions, such as Embu University which co-hosted the event, were recognized as key partners in supporting value chain development and fostering innovation, especially among youth and early-stage entrepreneurs. In addition, the PS spoke on the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Project (NYOTA) and Kenya Jobs Economic Transformation Project (KJET), which are being implemented to provide targeted capacity building, association strengthening, and business- start up support.
In his address, the Embu County Deputy Governor emphasized the need for deeper collaboration between national and county governments to address structural challenges that constrain MSME growth. He reiterated the county’s commitment to creating dignified trading spaces and supporting local enterprises to scale their operations sustainably.
The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), through Dr. Carol Kaua, Director of Business Development, Marketing, and Trade, shared ongoing initiatives being rolled out across the country, including the development of Common User Facilities to support value addition and productivity. One such facility highlighted was the Siakago Enterprise Development Centre where mangoes are processed into juice and jam demonstrating the potential of infrastructure-driven support for MSMEs.
Left- Dr. Caroline Kaua, MSEA Director Business Development Marketing and Trade, speaking, and interacting with MSEs.
Alongside the dialogue, the event featured an MSME exhibition, where entrepreneurs showcased products ranging from processed foods and textiles to eco-friendly solutions and creative works. The exhibition provided an opportunity for MSMEs to interact with potential buyers, financiers, and development partners, expanding both market access and visibility.
MSEs exhibiting at the MSME Connect.
The MSMEs Connect series continues to serve as a strategy to build a thriving, inclusive, and resilient MSME sector. As the engagement rolls out across counties, the Embu edition has set a strong foundation for what localized, action-oriented public-private dialogue can achieve.
