The 24th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair held in Juba, South Sudan, offered a vibrant platform for East African Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products, network, and explore opportunities for cross-border growth. Amidst the main exhibitions, were two impactful side events; the Innovation Protection Symposium and the Kenya Policy Dialogue Forum. These sessions provided critical insights and support for MSMEs, highlighting the importance of intellectual property protection, trade facilitation policies, and diaspora welfare.
The Innovation Protection Symposium was led by Mr. Patrick Kamenyi, Head of Capacity Building at the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA). With a strong focus on intellectual property rights (IPR), Mr. Kamenyi underscored how essential it is for MSMEs to protect their innovations to ensure secure business growth. In today’s competitive marketplace, safeguarding intellectual property is not merely a legal formality; it is a strategic asset that enables MSMEs to thrive, expand, and monetize their unique offerings without fear of unauthorized duplication.
Mr. Patrick Kamenyi, MSEA Head of Capacity Building, leading the symposium session on Innovation protection.
Mr. Kamenyi advised MSMEs to take proactive steps to protect their innovations, starting with documenting and registering them at the national level with the Kenya Industrial Property Institute in the case of Kenya. By taking this foundational step, MSMEs can establish legal claims over their creations. Furthermore, he highlighted how MSMEs can leverage regional trade agreements, particularly within the EAC, to extend protection and ensure their products are safeguarded across East Africa.
A key recommendation from Mr. Kamenyi was for MSMEs to engage with local government agencies. These agencies offer essential support and resources to help business owners navigate the often complex legal processes of protecting intellectual property. By securing their innovations, MSMEs are better positioned to grow their businesses, capitalize on their unique products, and seek legal recourse if their intellectual property rights are infringed upon by competitors. The symposium underscored that IP protection is not only vital for individual business security but also essential for MSMEs to establish a strong and sustainable presence in the regional market.
Alongside the Innovation Protection Symposium, the Kenya Policy Dialogue Forum served as an essential platform for the Kenyan business community operating in South Sudan. This forum brought together key leaders, including Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya (Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development), Hon. Beatrice Askul (Cabinet Secretary for EAC & ASALS), and Hon. Susan Mang’eni (Principal Secretary for MSMEs). The presence of high-level representatives from both the Kenyan government and the MSEA Board, led by Chairman Mr. James Mureu and CEO Mr. Henry Rithaa, further emphasized the commitment to supporting MSMEs.
MSEA Board Management, following the discussions during the Kenya Policy Dialogue Forum.
The dialogue addressed vital trade and policy needs, with particular emphasis on facilitating smoother trade relations between Kenya and South Sudan. Notably, Kenyan exports to South Sudan are valued at an impressive Ksh 39.9 billion, reflecting the importance of this bilateral trade relationship. However, the Kenyan business community in South Sudan faces various challenges that impact their ability to operate effectively. Mr. Charles Otieno, Chairman of the Kenya Diaspora Association in South Sudan, along with other members, raised issues such as banking restrictions, insecurity, and the lack of a commercial court, all of which create hurdles for business growth and sustainability.
Another critical aspect discussed at the forum was the welfare of the Kenyan diaspora. The forum highlighted the need for more robust support mechanisms, including engagement programs, savings plans, and partnerships aimed at expanding job placements for Kenyans abroad. These efforts are part of a broader commitment by the Kenyan government to enhance trade relations while also ensuring that Kenyan citizens working overseas can access the resources and protections they need.
The side events at the 24th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair, including the Innovation Protection Symposium and the Kenya Policy Dialogue Forum, provided essential support, guidance, and advocacy for MSMEs. By focusing on intellectual property protection and addressing policy-related challenges, these forums equipped MSMEs with valuable knowledge and resources to expand confidently within the EAC.
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya and Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni, with the Kenyan Business Community in Juba, South Sudan.
