The Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSME Development, Hon. FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya EGH, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector as a key driver of Kenya’s economic transformation.
Speaking during the 7th Edition of MSMEs Connect held in Nakuru County, CS Oparanya reiterated the Government’s commitment to advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) under the leadership of President William Ruto.
The CS highlighted a number of Government interventions aimed at improving productivity, supporting businesses and strengthening livelihoods across the country.He pointed to the provision of subsidised farm inputs, including fertiliser, as well as continued support for the coffee and tea value chains. He noted that strengthening agriculture is critical to increasing productivity and enabling farmers, MSMEs and the country to earn more from exports.
Hon. FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya EGH flanked by MSEA CEO Henry Rithaa, Nakuru County Deputy Governor David Kones engaging with MSMEs participants during 7th Edition MSMEs Connect, Nakuru County
CS Oparanya also highlighted Government programmes in Universal Health Coverage through the Social Health Authority (SHA), affordable housing and infrastructure development, noting that these interventions have the potential to create employment opportunities, particularly for young people and Jua Kali artisans. He underscored the critical role played by MSMEs in Kenya’s economy, noting that the sector supports the livelihoods of more than 20 million people.
MSME’s showcasing products during the MSMEs connect exhibition, Nakuru County
He highlighted financial interventions such as the Hustler Fund, which has disbursed more than KSh 92 billion, as part of efforts to expand access to affordable financing for Kenyans. The CS further noted the Government’s efforts to expand access to modern markets for MSMEs. With more than 400 markets established, he said the Government is working to provide better and more secure trading environments, including facilities such as secure storage spaces and lactating rooms for mothers.
These interventions are aimed at creating an enabling environment where MSME’s can trade, grow and contribute more significantly to the national economy.
MSME’s to access regional markets through EAC Trade Fair
CS Oparanya highlighted the upcoming EAC Trade Fair in Rwanda, which is expected to bring together more than 1,500 MSME’s to showcase their products, access new markets and establish regional business linkages. He encouraged MSME’s to take advantage of the regional platform by registering, formalising their businesses and onboarding their products to increase their visibility and access to markets within the East African Community. He urged MSE’s to register in large numbers and position themselves to benefit from emerging regional and export opportunities.
Embracing digital transformation
The CS further called on MSME’s to embrace digital transformation, noting the importance of technology as Kenya transitions from analogue to digital business practices.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to adopt digital tools and platforms that can enhance business operations, improve market access and increase competitiveness in both local and regional markets.
Hon. FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya EGH welcomed by MSEA CEO Henry Rithaa, Nakuru County Deputy Governor David Kones to the 7th Edition MSME’s Connect, Nakuru County, Group Photo for participating Agencies and organizations
The 7th Edition of MSME’s Connect brought together Government agencies, financial institutions, development partners and other stakeholders working to support the growth of the MSME sector.
The event was graced by Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones and attended by MSEA CEO Henry Rithaa, alongside representatives from Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), Uwezo Fund, Hustler Fund, Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) and other key stakeholders.
MSEA CEO Henry Rithaa, Nakuru County Deputy Governor David Kones showcase MSEs products to CS Oparanya during the 7th Edition MSMEs Connect, Nakuru County,
The MSME’s Connect platform continues to provide an avenue for entrepreneurs to engage with Government and other stakeholders, access information and services, explore market opportunities, and identify solutions to challenges affecting the growth of their businesses.
