The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), in collaboration with the Member of Parliament for Garsen Constituency, Hon. Guyo Ali Wario, held an impactful Economic Empowerment Forum in Tana River County aimed at uplifting Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) led by women and youth. Held in Garsen Constituency, the event attracted an impressive turnout of over 5,000 participants a strong indication of the growing enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and economic advancement among grassroots communities.
Member of Parliament for Garsen Constituency, Hon. Guyo Ali Wario giving his remarks during the forum. Deputy President Hon. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who graced the forum as the chief guest, applauded the government’s continued support for the MSME sector. He emphasized the pivotal role MSEs play in job creation and economic transformation, citing initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Programme, which has created thousands of jobs for the Juakali sector across the country. He further reiterated the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project, which seeks to increase employment, improve incomes, and promote innovation among youth through grants, skills development, and access to enterprise support.
Deputy President Hon. Prof. Kithure Kindiki giving his remarks during the event.
Hon. Guyo Ali Wario, Member of Parliament for Garsen Constituency, commended MSEA for its grassroots-driven approach to economic empowerment. He announced that, through the collaboration with MSEA, four local associations would benefit from the distribution of common user machinery. These tools, he noted, would significantly improve the productivity and income potential of the recipient groups. The MP highlighted the transformative impact of this support, particularly in enabling youth and women to participate meaningfully in value-added economic activities.
Hon. Guyo Ali Wario, MP for Garsen Constituency issuing machines to the registered groups during the forum.
Together with MSEA Assistant Director Infrastructure Development and Innovation, Mr. Muriithi Muriuki, and MSEA Tana River Regional Head Mr. Zacharia Kibara, Hon. Wario issued equipment including welding machines, grinders, sewing machines, and other tools to four associations: Shantama Grain Growers Self-Help Group, Tullu Ibsa Youth Group, Adila Development Community-Based Organization, and Delta Yetu Voices CBO. These tools will be instrumental in enhancing local value chains, promoting self-reliance, and creating sustainable livelihoods across the constituency.
Hon. Guyo Ali Wario, MP for Garsen Constituency, Deputy County Commissioner for Garsen Constituency, MSEA Assistant Director of Infrastructure Development and Innovation Mr. Muriithi Muriuki and MSEA Head of Tana River Region, Mr. Zacharia Kibara handing over machines to the officials of the 4 groups.
The event was attended by various national and county leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders, all unified by the vision of economically empowered local communities. The forum also served as a platform to sensitize the public on the importance of formalizing business groups and registering them with the MSEA Registrar of MSEs to access support services such as training, machinery, financial linkages, and market access.
MSEA reaffirmed its dedication to building Kenya’s economy from the grassroots up by equipping MSEs with the resources and knowledge they need to thrive. The Authority continues to call upon MSEs across the country to organize into groups, formalize their operations, and take advantage of the vast opportunities available through both government and private sector collaborations.
