Policy awareness forums target grassroots MSMEs in Uasin Gishu, Kisumu and Nakuru

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 21, 2025 – The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), in partnership with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, has concluded a series of policy awareness forums aimed at educating entrepreneurs in Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, and Nakuru counties on key government policies and business support services available to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The initiative, part of the third phase of the Supporting Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development (SEED) program, targets early-stage businesses—particularly those led by youth and women—across various sectors including agriculture, digital innovation, and the circular economy.

According to MSEA, the forums are meant to close the information gap that prevents many small enterprises from leveraging existing government frameworks and services.

“The goal is to demystify what different institutions offer so that MSMEs can understand how to benefit,” said Tabitha Gicheru, MSEA’s Senior Assistant Director.

Participants were introduced to available technologies, shared machinery, and other services at Constituency Industrial Development Centres (CIDCs).

Organizers say the sessions also served as feedback channels to inform future policymaking and implementation.

The SEED program, through its Inclusive Youth, Business and Agriculture (IYBA-SEED) initiative, is also supporting the development of a Policy Advocacy Toolkit. This tool is expected to equip MSMEs with the knowledge needed to engage in policy dialogues and advocate for reforms aligned with their needs.

SNV’s Project Manager, Nduta Ndirangu, said the initiative goes beyond awareness by strengthening collaboration between MSMEs and public and private sector institutions.

The program is also aligned with the government’s efforts to review the MSME Policy 2025 and update the MSE Act to improve the regulatory environment for small businesses.

MSEA Deputy Director for Legal Services, Mary Chege, noted that reforms are underway to provide a more enabling environment that helps micro enterprises transition into formal, scalable businesses.