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NURTURING SUSTAINABLE MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES  

Meru Juakali worksite, located in Meru County, is a buzzing hub of activity, where over 120 members of the Meru Juakali Association engage in welding, carpentry, and textile sectors. The worksite hosts 76 workshops, built in collaboration with GIZ, and is a testament to the efforts of the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) to nurture sustainable micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Kenya.

Recently, MSEA Board Chairman, Mr. James Mureu, MSEA CEO, Mr. Henry Rithaa alongside Chairman and CEO of the Kenya National Federation of Juakali Associations, Mr. Solomon Nchebere and Mr. Richard Muteti MSEA Board Director Eng. Charles Kalomba and MSEA Director of Infrastructure, Eng. Edward Karani, paid a visit to the worksite. The objective of the working tour was to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by MSEs and explore ways to support their growth.

During their visit, they interacted with several MSEs, including Mr. Mwiti Boniface (Kajamba) of Kajamba Animal Feeds. Mr. Mwiti started his business in 2015, and since then, he has been producing animal feeds, including pellets, cubes, and mashes for dairy, chicken, and pigs. With his production scaling up to 80 tonnes a day, he has been able to employ three permanent employees and ten others on a casual basis. His products are highly sought after and are supplied countrywide, especially in Marsabit, Nakuru, Moyale, Mombasa, Embu, and Kitui.

Another innovative MSE at the worksite is Mr. Mwiti Kenneth, who adds value to waste plastics by making floor traps, ventilation, and roofing washers. He employs three people and supplies his products to hardware stores in Meru County. His story is just one example of how MSEs are finding innovative ways to add value to waste products, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the circular economy.

The delegation also paid a courtesy call to the Meru County Commissioner, Mr. Frederick Ndunga, where they discussed ways to collaborate and nurture sustainable MSEs in the worksites. This is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to supporting MSEs, which play a vital role in the Kenyan economy.

According to the 2022 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the MSE sector in Kenya contributes to about 30% of the country’s GDP and employs over 15 million people, representing approximately 70% of the total labor force. Despite their significant contribution to the economy, MSEs face numerous challenges, including access to finance, limited access to markets, and inadequate infrastructure.

The efforts of MSEA and its partners to nurture sustainable MSEs are, therefore, crucial in creating jobs and reducing poverty in the country. The visit to Meru Juakali worksite highlights the importance of creating an enabling environment for MSEs to thrive and contribute to the growth of the Kenyan economy. With the government’s commitment and the efforts of organizations like MSEA, MSEs will continue to play a crucial role in creating jobs and reducing poverty in the country.

Mr. Mwiti explaining to the team how he processes the animal feeds.
MSEA management at Meru County Commissioner’s Office.

 

Mr. Mwiti Kenneth adding value to waste Plastics to make ventilation caps.

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