Kenya backs youth, women, PWDs to power economy through MSME boost

The government is now banking on youth, women, and persons with disability under Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to spur the country's economy by equipping them with industrial tools for self-reliance and innovation.

Speaking in Matungu, Kakamega County, during the Education and Economic Empowerment Forum and handing over of common user machines to 15 registered MSMEs groups, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives Wycliffe Oparanya termed the small business people as the cornerstone of national economic transformation that needs support and funding.

"Empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is key to achieving inclusive growth and job creation, and for Kenya to achieve meaningful economic progress, we must empower our small businesses, equip them with the necessary tools, and provide an enabling environment for their success,” said Oparanya.

Oparanya, who distributed equipment like lathe machines, car wash systems, sewing machines, and welding tools, underscored the Ministry’s commitment to creating enabling frameworks and targeted interventions to catalyse MSME growth.

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"As a government, we must appreciate the contribution of artisans and self-help groups, especially in rural areas, who are the backbone of our economy. I want to urge our young people and persons with disabilities to embrace group formation as a means to access government funding, skills training, and technical support," said Oparanya.

Oparanya stressed that proper utilisation of the distributed equipment will determine the long-term economic impact on the region, while challenging the beneficiaries to ensure the investments translate into sustainable income and job creation.

“As a government, we are committed to walking this journey with you. But it’s your responsibility to ensure that these machines are used productively,” he said.

Edward Karani, MSEA Director for Infrastructure Development and Innovation at Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), said the machines for groups in rural areas are designed to boost productivity and foster shared prosperity.

“This is the moment for cooperatives and MSEs to take advantage of existing government projects. The KJET call for applications is ongoing, and it offers a real opportunity for groups to access critical resources for their growth,” said Karani.

Karani also sensitised participants on MSEA’s mandate and highlighted key national programmes, including the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) and NYOTA initiatives.

He urged cooperatives and associations to take advantage of the current KJET project call for applications to access funding and support services tailored to their growth needs.

In her remarks, MSEA Kakamega Regional Head Ms. Doreen Nandwa invited participants to engage with the MSEA County Office to learn more about ongoing programs and services available to support their enterprise development journeys.

According to the 2022 National Economic Survey, Kenya’s MSME sector accounts for over 90 per cent of businesses and employs the majority of the workforce and yet many remain informal and face challenges in accessing financing, equipment, and markets.