The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), in collaboration with the Office of the Member of Parliament for Rongo Constituency, Hon. Paul Abuor, and the County Government of Migori, officially launched the Rongo Jua Kali Umbrella Sacco, a bold step towards financial empowerment and sustainable growth for local artisans in the county.
The Sacco draws its membership from 15 registered subsector associations under the Rongo Jua Kali Umbrella Association, which operates within the Rongo Jua Kali worksite and the Enterprise Development Centre (CIDC). Membership is also open to artisans and entrepreneurs beyond these associations, creating a platform for inclusive participation in financial and economic development.
Member of Parliament for Rongo Constituency, Hon. Paul Abuor, accompanied by Eng. Edward Karani, MSEA Director for Infrastructure and Innovation Development and representatives of Migori County Government.
Speaking during the launch, Eng. Edward Karani, MSEA Director for Infrastructure and Innovation Development, commended the artisans for their foresight in forming a Sacco to advance their collective interests. He outlined the Authority’s mandate and key functions, sensitizing Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in attendance on available services. These include training, business formalization support, equipment access, market linkages, and financing opportunities.
Eng. Karani also highlighted ongoing national projects spearheaded by MSEA, including the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project and the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation Project (KJET). He noted the recently concluded call for KJET applications, encouraging MSEs to remain alert to such opportunities that are designed to unlock growth and competitiveness in the sector.
Eng. Edward Karani, MSEA Director for Infrastructure and Innovation Development giving his remarks during the Sacco launch.
Mr. Peter Maru, MSEA Regional Head for Migori, urged entrepreneurs to visit the Authority’s regional office located at the Youth Empowerment Center, Door No. 3 in Migori Town, to learn more about the services available to them. He emphasized that the Authority stands ready to support groups and individual entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses and improve livelihoods.
Mr. Peter Maru, MSEA Regional Head for Migori and Enterprise Development Assistant, Emma Atieno Owino giving their remarks during the Sacco launch.
The Chief Guest, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Hon. John Mbadi, praised the Rongo Jua Kali community for embracing self-organization as a pathway to economic transformation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to equipping MSEs with the tools, resources, and policy support needed to thrive in competitive markets. Also present were Migori Governor H.E. Ochillo Ayacko and Hon. Paul Abuor, MP for Rongo Constituency, who reaffirmed their commitment to working with MSEA and other stakeholders to uplift local enterprises.
Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Hon. John Mbadi and Migori Governor H.E. Ochillo Ayacko during the Sacco launch in Rongo.
In a major boost to productivity, the launch ceremony concluded with the handover of common user machines to 10 registered associations. The equipment aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and output included; Lathe Machine, Spot Welding Machine, Carwash Machine, Plate Compactor, Bench Grinder, Bench Vice, Mechanical Diagnostic Machine, Welding Machine, Sewing Machine, Mama Mboga umbrellas and trolleys, Grinder and Body Jack.
These tools, are expected to significantly enhance the capacity of artisans in sectors ranging from metalwork and carpentry to tailoring and automotive repair.
The event brought together national and county leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders, unified by a shared vision of economically empowered local communities. It also served as a platform to raise awareness on the importance of formalizing business groups and registering with the MSEA Registrar of MSEs a key step in unlocking access to government and private sector support, including training, machinery, financial linkages, and market access.
Moments captured during the machine issuance
MSEA continues to call upon MSEs across the country to organize into groups, formalize their operations, and seize the wide range of opportunities available through collaborative efforts between government, development partners, and the private sector.
“The launch of the Rongo Juwa Kali Umbrella Sacco marks the beginning of a new chapter for artisans in Migori, one defined by unity, empowerment, and sustainable growth,” said Eng. Karani.
