The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) is launching a series of entrepreneurial capacity-building forums to stimulate economic growth in various counties. In collaboration with the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project and the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) project, MSEA has initiated a comprehensive capacity-building campaign targeting all 47 counties. This program is designed to strengthen sector value chains under the BETA Agenda and boost employment opportunities for the youth.
The collaboration focuses on several key areas, including enhancing productivity through NYOTA project interventions, providing Start & Improve Your Business (SYB) capacity-building training for Business Development Officers, promoting the formalization and registration of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) at grassroots levels, and delivering technical support for cluster development. The partnership emphasizes a life-cycle approach to ensure that Kenyan youth can benefit from multisectoral ecosystems aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities.
In Nairobi County, MSEA is partnering with German Cooperation (GIZ) and GFA Consulting Group to implement the SME Loop capacity-building program, which is particularly aimed at supporting the manufacturing and value-addition sectors. This initiative is set to strengthen entrepreneurial skills through structured training, personalized coaching, and ongoing mentorship, assisting MSEs in improving their business analysis, adopting effective growth strategies, and enhancing operational efficiency.
In Nyandarua County, MSEA has engaged women-led groups from Rurii and Ol Kalou Township involved in environmental conservation activities like tree planting and clean-up campaigns. Recognizing their environmental commitment, MSEA is facilitating connections between these groups and APH for a landscaping tender related to the National Housing Corporation (NHC) Phase One Project. This initiative aims to economically empower these vulnerable women and young mothers by broadening their income opportunities while continuing their impactful environmental work.
MSEA also conducted a participatory sensitization forum for Bodaboda chairpersons in Embu Municipality, focusing on road safety and the well-being of Bodaboda riders. Led by the Deputy County Commissioner, the forum educated participants about MSEA’s key functions, including the formalization of Bodaboda groups into associations and providing training for operators to enhance safety and financial stability.
Additionally, in partnership with the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KENTRADE) and the COMESA Trade Information Desk, MSEA hosted trade facilitation training in Saku town, Marsabit County. Over 100 MSEs attended sessions aimed at enhancing their participation in regional and international trade. Participants learned about trade processes to simplify cross-border business, explored market access opportunities, and discovered how to leverage digital trade solutions for improved efficiency. A major highlight was the training on the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime (STR), designed to help small traders benefit from duty-free trade within the region.
In Makueni County, sensitization forums were held to empower women in poultry keeping, emphasizing business registration and effective management practices. MSEA plans to further support participants by organizing additional sessions and establishing a support network to help them navigate challenges in their poultry ventures.
Similar forums were conducted in Nyamira County, where residents learned about MSEA’s services, mandate, and forthcoming projects for MSEs. Attendees were educated on the NYOTA and KJET programs, funding opportunities, formalization processes, and business development initiatives aimed at enhancing competitiveness, with an emphasis on the importance of formalization in accessing available services for business growth.
