The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development, actively participated in the Education and Economic Empowerment Forum held in Kakamega County. The event was convened by Kakamega County Woman Representative Hon. Elsie Muhanda and Matungu MP Hon. Oscar Nabulindo, with a focus on advancing economic empowerment for Women and Youth-led MSEs in the county.
Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Hon. Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Masika Wetang’ula, E.G.H Mp, Kakamega County Woman Representative Hon. Elsie Muhanda, issuing common-user machines to the registered groups and Associations in Kakamega County.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Dr. Oparanya underscored the Ministry’s commitment to creating enabling frameworks and targeted interventions to catalyze MSME growth. He was joined by Eng. Edward Karani, MSEA Director for Infrastructure Development and Innovation, who represented MSEA CEO Mr. Henry Rithaa. As part of the empowerment initiative, 15 registered MSE groups and associations from Matungu Constituency received common-user machines, including lathe machines, car wash equipment, sewing machines, and welding tools designed to boost productivity and foster shared prosperity.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Masika Wetang’ula, E.G.H Mp alongside other delegates.
Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Hon. Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, Kakamega County Woman Representative Hon. Elsie Muhanda, MSEA Director for Infrastructure Development and Innovation Eng. Edward Karani issuing common- user machines to registered groups and associations.
Eng. Karani also sensitized participants on MSEA’s mandate and highlighted key national programs, including the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) and NYOTA initiatives. He urged cooperatives and associations to take advantage of the current KJET project call for applications to access funding and support services tailored to their growth needs.
In her remarks, MSEA Kakamega Regional Head Ms. Doreen Nandwa invited participants to engage with the MSEA County Office to learn more about ongoing programs and services available to support their enterprise development journeys.
MSEA Director for Infrastructure Development and Innovation, Eng. Edward Karani, MSEA Kakamega Regional Head Ms. Doreen Nandwa giving their remarks during the forum.
The forum was graced by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Masika Wetang’ula, E.G.H. MP, who served as the Guest of Honor, alongside Chief Guest, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSME Development, Hon. Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya. Also in attendance were Environment CS Hon. Deborah Mulongo, several Members of Parliament, senior county officials, and representatives from state agencies, County government representatives, youth and women leaders, and MSEs from across Kakamega. The forum served as a powerful platform to deepen public-private collaboration and scale up efforts toward inclusive economic empowerment in Western Kenya.
