The government has reaffirmed its commitment to Kenya’s micro, small and medium enterprises, pledging continued support for the priority value chains that are creating jobs and driving inclusive growth across the country. The message came as Kenya joined the world in marking World MSME Day 2026, presided over by His Excellency President Dr. William Ruto.
Speaking at the celebrations, the President singled out the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project as central to that commitment, affirming that through KJET the government is extending support to MSMEs in priority value chains to expand their productivity and create jobs.
KJET beneficiaries were themselves part of the celebrations, exhibiting their work on the event floor. Drawn from the leather, dairy and construction sectors, the enterprises offered a first-hand look at the clusters the project supports and at the productivity and jobs the priority value chains are generating on the ground. The enterprises included Lenel Leather, which carries out value addition to produce premium bags, shoes, watches, belts and other accessories; Preco Construction, whose work spans cabro, car shades, paving, landscaping, electric fences and civil works; Kavalian Limited, which recycles plastic waste into eco-friendly flooring and furniture; and Limuru Dairy, a milk processor behind Relish Yoghurt, fresh milk and long-life milk.
Together they put on display the productivity and jobs the priority value chains are generating on the ground. KJET targets 10 priority value chains: Edible Oils, Textiles, Construction Materials, Dairy, Leather, Tea, Coffee, Rice, Blue Economy and Minerals. With interest in the project continuing to grow, applications for the next cycle are expected to open soon, and prospective applicants are encouraged to stay on the lookout. Further information, including eligibility details and frequently asked questions, is available on the MSEA website https://kjet.msea.go.ke/faq.
H.E the President Dr. William Ruto, MSEA Board Chairman Mr. James Mureu and other dignitaries interacting with KJET beneficiaries during the ceremony.
The occasion also marked the official launch of the Revised Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Policy 2026, a framework aimed at creating an integrated, enabling business environment that fosters a productive, competitive, resilient and sustainable MSME sector capable of generating wealth, creating jobs and driving inclusive economic growth. The President was accompanied by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Co-operatives and MSME Development, Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya; Principal Secretary, State Department for MSMEs, Susan Mang’eni; and Principal Secretary, State Department for Co-operatives, Patrick Kilemi. Also present were MSEA Board Chairman Mr. James Mureu, MSEA Director General Mr. Henry Rithaa, and chief executives from the Uwezo Fund, the Financial Inclusion Fund, the Kenya Industrial Estates, the Kenya Bankers Association and the World Bank, among other distinguished guests.
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Co-operatives and MSME Development, Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya; Principal Secretary, State Department for MSMEs, Susan Mang’eni; and Principal Secretary, State Department for Co-operatives, Patrick Kilemi MSEA CEO Mr. Henry Rithaa during the event.
