NAIROBI, Kenya– The government has hosted the second MSMEs Connect and Dialogue forum in Embu County, focused on implementing targeted interventions to improve access to credit, enhance market linkages, and simplify regulatory frameworks that often hinder small business growth.
The forum aims to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), bringing together key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, financial institutions, and local entrepreneurs to promote inclusive economic development and support Kenya’s MSME ecosystem.
“MSMEs Connect is a significant step in the government’s efforts to strengthen the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector, recognize the critical role of MSMEs in Kenya’s economic transformation, and enhance economic participation at the grassroots level by addressing key challenges faced by MSMEs,” said Principal Secretary, State Department for MSMEs Development Susan Mangeni.
The dialogue addressed crucial policy reforms, financial accessibility, digital inclusion, and innovation, particularly targeting youth- and women-led enterprises, which form a large part of the MSME landscape.
“Today, we hosted the second MSMEs Connect and Dialogue in Embu County, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs to strengthen policies, regulations, and legal frameworks supporting MSMEs and implement targeted interventions.”
The MSMEs Connect initiative is part of a broader national strategy to uplift over 7.4 million MSMEs across the country. Officials confirmed that the forums will continue to rotate across counties to ensure localized support and sustainable development.
The Embu edition saw calls for greater collaboration between government and private sector players in advancing innovation, skills development, and access to affordable financing for small businesses.
