MSME Expo
The Nation Media Group, Ministry of Co-operatives & Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, the Micro & Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) jointly organized the 4th Edition of the SMEs Conference & Expo that ran from 19th to 22nd March 2023.
The three-day exhibition and conference, which ran under the theme ‘Accelerating MSMEs Growth through Adoption of Technology and Innovation,’ provided a platform for SMEs to articulate issues affecting them by participating in discussions on policies for the growth and development of the MSME sector. The expo further provided a platform for MSMEs to showcase their innovative solutions and services, while also offering networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and learning sessions.
The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Co-operatives and MSME Development, Hon. Simon Chelugui, accompanied by MSEA board Chairman Mr. James Mureu, MSEA’s Director General Mr. Henry Rithaa, CEO Nation Media Group Mr. Stephen Gitagama, CEO Kenya National Federation of Juakali Associations Mr. Richard Muteti, and President Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Richard Ngatia among other dignitaries.
During his opening speech, the Chief Guest, CS Chelugui, EGH spoke on the revolutionary Hustler Fund that has availed affordable and accessible credit facilities for the majority of Kenyan MSEs who had previously been locked out of the credit facilities. The Fund has also boosted a savings culture while creating momentum for sustainable development of the MSME sector. The fund has four products namely Personal Finance, Micro Loans, SME Loans and Start-Up.
CS Chelugui also highlighted the success of the grants and business development services training component of the KYEOP project that is implemented by the Authority. He noted that under the project, 70,000 youth have received training and grants worth KSh. 2.8 Billion shillings.
He also commended the Authority for facilitating MSEs to access markets which is a critical pre-requisite for encouraging entrepreneurship, enterprise development, long-term economic growth, job creation, and productive investment.