MSEA in collaboration with Embakasi West MP Hon. Mark Muriithi Mwenje, held an entrepreneurship empowerment and engagement forum at Kangundo Road Market, aimed at equipping MSEs and youth with essential tools, knowledge, and resources to strengthen their enterprises. The forum drew over 600 participants from Umoja I, Umoja II, Mowlem, and Kariobangi South wards a clear indication of the growing enthusiasm for entrepreneurial prospects among grassroots communities.
Speaking during the session, MSEA Nairobi Regional Head Ms. Janet Kamotho engaged attendees on the Authority’s core mandate to promote, develop, and regulate MSEs across Kenya. She highlighted the critical role MSEA plays in strengthening the MSME sector through strategic interventions such as capacity building, business formalization, market and financial linkages, provision of worksites, and infrastructure support through Constituency Industrial Development Centres (CIDCs). Ms. Kamotho also updated participants on the NYOTA Youth Empowerment Program, noting that applications for Cycle 1 have closed, and the verification and random selection process is currently underway. She encouraged youth to stay informed about upcoming cycles and visit the MSEA Nairobi regional office to learn more about available enterprise transformation initiatives. She further emphasized the importance of formalizing business groups and associations, guiding attendees on how to register through the e-Citizen platform. “Formalization opens doors to funding, partnerships, and government support. It’s a gateway to growth,” she noted.
MSEA Nairobi Regional Head Ms. Janet Kamotho giving her remarks during the forum.
Senior Enterprise Development Officer Ms. Fortunata Kahura sensitized participants on the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project, designed to enhance MSME productivity and competitiveness. The project will support MSMEs through general and specialized training and co-investment in tools and machinery for associations and cooperatives along priority value chains. She encouraged youth to utilize the MSEA Kariobangi Center of Excellence, which hosts a Biashara Center, a one-stop hub for services from key government agencies including KEBS, KRA, among others, providing critical support for income-generating activities, compliance, and innovation.
Senior Enterprise Development Officer Ms. Fortunata Kahura sensitizing participants on the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project
MSEA Director of Infrastructure Development and Innovation, Eng. Edward Karani, reiterated the call for formalization, stressing that group formation is essential for tapping into ongoing and future government programs.
MSEA Director of Infrastructure Development and Innovation, Eng. Edward Karani engaging the participants during the forum.
Hon. Mark Mwenje, in his address, applauded MSEA for the implementation of the NYOTA and KJET projects. He urged the youth to embrace these initiatives, innovate boldly, and participate actively in self-employment pathways that contribute to local and national development.
In a key highlight of the event, six youth associations, Garage Young Turks, Kikosi Self Help, Hunter Association, Kimoja Association, Active Ladies Association, and New Genesis Association, were issued with a variety of tools and equipment including car wash machines, welding machines, arc grinders, toolboxes, sewing machines, body jacks, ear protectors, diagnostic tools, bench grinders, and wood combination machines to boost productivity and diversify income streams.
Embakasi West MP Hon. Mark Muriithi Mwenje giving his address during the forum
Through these engagements and the distribution of common user machinery, MSEA continues to empower MSEs to engage in value-added activities, fostering innovation, job creation, and economic resilience at the grassroots level.
