Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives Wycliffe Oparanya joined Kenyan and South Sudanese entrepreneurs in celebrating Kenyan MSMEs Day in Juba. The event aimed to recognize the critical role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in strengthening local economies and promoting innovation across borders.
Dr. Oparanya emphasized that MSMEs are the backbone of economic resilience, providing essential services and job opportunities that sustain communities. He noted that the celebration aimed to strengthen ties between the Kenyan and South Sudanese business communities, encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities to enhance trade and economic growth. “Bringing together entrepreneurs from both countries is a step towards shared prosperity and mutual understanding,” Dr. Oparanya stated.
One of the main goals of the event was to highlight the contributions of MSMEs while addressing the challenges they face. Dr. Oparanya identified barriers such as limited access to finance, restrictive regulations, and inadequate market access as persistent hurdles that MSMEs must overcome. He emphasized that supportive policies and better resource allocation could be transformative, enabling small businesses to navigate these issues and thrive.
The Cabinet Secretary stressed that investing in MSMEs is crucial for sustainable growth, as these enterprises are drivers of job creation and community development. “Supporting local businesses is more than just a policy initiative; it’s about empowering individuals and strengthening the very fabric of our communities,” he added, urging stakeholders to prioritize MSMEs in policy and investment decisions.
The event also raised awareness of the benefits that MSMEs bring to the economy and highlighted the importance of creating a business environment conducive to their growth. Dr. Oparanya called upon government officials, investors, and other stakeholders to collaborate on initiatives that ease financial access and reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses.
Dr. Oparanya affirmed that the MSMEs Day celebration not only honored the achievements of small businesses but also represented a significant step towards building a robust and inclusive business ecosystem. By addressing the critical issues faced by MSMEs, the event underscored a commitment to fostering a dynamic economic environment where small businesses can thrive and drive progress.
