By Dorothy Musyoka
The Government, in partnership with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), has officially opened the 2nd KEPSA SME Conference.
Addressing stakeholders at the forum, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Wycliffe Oparanya, emphasized the role MSMEs play in Kenya’s development.
These enterprises contribute 33% to the national GDP and support the livelihoods of more than 15 million Kenyans.
“MSMEs are the engine of our economy. Over 90% of businesses in Kenya are MSMEs contributing 33% to our GDP and employing 15M+ citizens,” stated CS Oparanya.
According to Oparanya, since assuming office in August 2024, the government has disbursed over Ksh 60 to boost financial access.
“We’ve disbursed over KES 60B via the Hustler Fund, and revamped Uwezo, Youth, and Women Enterprise Funds to boost financial access and literacy. No Kenyan entrepreneur should be left behind,” highlighted Oparanya.
Further demonstrating commitment to sustainable growth, the government unveiled MSMEs Connect, a collaborative public-private platform developed with KEPSA.
According to the CS, to date, over 1,000 MSMEs have been onboarded, with the initiative now being rolled out to all 47 counties.
To drive this shift, Kenya is rapidly expanding public Wi-Fi, constructing hubs, and scaling up digital skilling programs targeted at MSMEs across the country.
“Digital transformation isn’t optional it’s essential. We’re expanding public Wi-Fi, building innovation hubs, and launching digital skilling programs for MSMEs across Kenya,” added CS Oparanya.
According to the Cooperatives and MSMEs CS, in the first quarter of 2025, more than 4,000 entrepreneurs accessed Ksh 111 million through KEPSA’s Jiinue Growth Program and Financing Gateway.
The 2nd KEPSA SME Conference reflects a shared national commitment to build a resilient, inclusive and prosperous economy powered by empowered entrepreneurs.