NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 20 – Uasin Gishu County hosted a Transformative Business Awareness Forum on Wednesday to provide market linkages for the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The forum, organized by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) in partnership with SNV, an international development organisation focused on training entrepreneurs about their mandates and how their services align with the growth and sustainability of the MSMEs.
The initiative brought together key stakeholders in the sector including Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), SNV, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Women Enterprise Fund (WEF), Inkomoko, Eldohub, and Cooperative Bank.
Others are the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), the Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Uasin Gishu Chapter, and the State Department for Industry.
Edward Karani, MSEA Director of Infrastructure Development and Innovation, highlighted the authority’s role in strengthening the MSME sector, emphasising the importance of business formalisation and MSME policies.
Karani noted that ongoing projects like the SME Loop in collaboration with MSEA and GIZ, a German Agency for International Cooperation, aim at providing Business Development Services (BDS) training to equip MSMEs with essential resources for scaling and long-term sustainability.
In an effort to support market linkages, MSEA Uasin Gishu facilitated a product exhibition where select MSMEs showcased their work.
Among them were Transcare Agencies, a local manufacturer of energy-saving jikos; Abilag Nuts, a peanut butter processing enterprise; Gramon Creations, a business specialising in handcrafted beaded jewellery; and Almalefs African Wear, known for its stylish African attire for both men and women.
Participants gained a better understanding of business formalisation, financial resources, and regulatory compliance, empowering them to make informed decisions for their enterprises.
The product showcased not only allowed MSMEs to display their offerings but also helped them attract potential customers and establish business connections.
