Nairobi: President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as a key driver of economic transformation and regional integration. The regional event, marking 25 years since the signing of the EAC Treaty, brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners from across East Africa under the theme of promoting innovation, trade, and inclusive growth for MSMEs.
According to Kenya News Agency, President Ruto emphasized that the MSME sector remains the ‘engine of job creation, innovation, and industrial growth,’ driving shared prosperity across the continent. He praised the visionary leadership of the East African Community’s (EAC) founding figures, including Presidents Yoweri Museveni, the late Daniel arap Moi, and the late Benjamin Mkapa, for their efforts in revitalizing the regional bloc in 1999.
During his address at the 25th East African Community (EAC) MSME Trade Fair at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, President Ruto highlighted the dynamic nature of the EAC, which has expanded into a bloc of eight partner states representing over 300 million citizens. He noted the bloc’s rapid emergence as a global market force. President Ruto also outlined Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which places MSMEs at the center of priorities alongside agriculture, affordable housing, healthcare, and the digital economy.
Ruto mentioned the success of the Hustler Fund, a flagship initiative promoting financial inclusion, with over Sh80 billion disbursed since 2022 to millions of Kenyans previously excluded from formal credit systems. He also announced plans to establish County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) in all 47 counties to promote value addition and industrial linkages for small businesses. Additionally, the Nyota Programme will provide grants and business training to youth and disability-led enterprises.
President Ruto acknowledged the significant role of the Jua Kali sector in the affordable housing programme and reiterated Kenya’s commitment to digital transformation, citing progress on the Digital Superhighway and the digitization of government services on the eCitizen platform.
Cabinet Secretary for MSME Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, presented the Nairobi Declaration, outlining regional priorities such as access to finance, digital transformation, green technologies, and market access. The declaration is set to be discussed at the upcoming EAC Heads of State Summit.
Zainab Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), and Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), praised Kenya’s efforts in hosting the new ITC Regional Hub and advancing trade and MSME competitiveness. Coke-Hamilton urged EAC member states to fast-track the implementation of the AfCFTA protocol on women and youth in trade.
Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, highlighted Nairobi’s significant contribution to Kenya’s GDP through MSMEs and announced initiatives to improve business conditions, including the Unified Business Permit and the Shara Stimulus Programme.
