Nairobi: About 150 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Uasin Gishu County have been equipped with skills and information on accessing finance, markets, and other business opportunities in a programme aimed at supporting enterprise growth. The training was organised through a partnership between the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) and was held over two days at Sirikwa Hotel in Eldoret City.
According to Kenya News Agency, the forum brought together women and youth entrepreneurs, sector leaders, and selected beneficiaries of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme. MSEA North Rift Regional Coordinator CPA Alton Kogo highlighted that the initiative was designed to address information gaps preventing many MSMEs from accessing affordable financing and expanding their businesses. He pointed out that some entrepreneurs struggle to obtain financial support due to a lack of knowledge on available financial products, eligibility requirements, and opportunities within the banking sector.
Kogo emphasized that the partnership with KBA would enable entrepreneurs to gain a better understanding of financial services and equip them with the knowledge required to make sound business decisions. The training covered access to finance, marketing, budgeting and planning, record keeping, financial literacy, and other aspects of business management. Participants were also exposed to opportunities available under government programmes, including the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) project and NYOTA.
Additionally, 30 selected MSMEs will be enrolled in a mentorship programme supported by the Equity Bank Foundation, which is expected to help beneficiaries strengthen their enterprises and identify suitable financial products and markets. MSEA plans to follow up with the selected beneficiaries to ensure they obtain maximum value from the mentorship programme and take advantage of available opportunities.
Kogo noted that collaboration between MSMEs and financial institutions would create stronger linkages and improve access to affordable financing tailored to the needs of small enterprises. He also mentioned that MSEA was focused on supporting young entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and small-scale manufacturers through technical assistance, information, and opportunities that would enable them to expand production and create employment.
The 150 participants are expected to receive certificates after completing eight training modules developed jointly by MSEA and KBA. The programme is part of a national initiative being rolled out across the country, with Uasin Gishu among the pilot counties selected for the first phase. Similar programmes are planned for implementation in other counties as MSEA and KBA expand their partnership. The initiative seeks to remove barriers facing small businesses and create a more supportive environment for enterprise development.
