Focus on SMEs - Sacco Review | The Leading Newspaper for Co-operative Movement in Kenya

Credit Bank commits KSh1 billion to boost MSMEs, expand branch network

Sacco ReviewJune 12, 202603 mins

Credit Bank has committed KSh1 billion in 2026 to support micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises (MSMEs) through financing and transaction banking solutions, in a bid to spur business growth and job creation across Kenya. The lender said the funds will be directed to businesses across diverse sectors, providing access to trade finance, working capital, asset…

Meru youth benefit as Shofco disburses Ksh30 million business loans

Sacco ReviewJune 8, 202605 mins

Hundreds of young entrepreneurs from Meru County have benefited from loans worth Ksh30 million disbursed by a non-governmental organisation through its SACCO arm. Governor Isaac Mutuma praised the initiatives, reaffirming the county government’s commitment to collaborating with non-governmental organisations that support youth empowerment. He made the remarks as young entrepreneurs in Meru County received loans…

Scale down tax on digital transactions and phones to support small businesses, MPs urged

Sacco ReviewJune 7, 2026June 7, 2026011 mins

Residents of Taita Taveta County have called on the National Assembly to scale down proposed taxes on digital transactions and mobile phones, warning that the Finance Bill, 2026, could stifle innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth employment in the digital economy. Led by representatives from the National Youth Council (NYC) Taita Taveta chapter, the residents who were…

Isiolo hosts sixth MSME Connect forum to boost small business growth

Sacco ReviewJune 7, 202604 mins

Isiolo County has stepped up efforts to strengthen small businesses by hosting the sixth edition of the Kenya Public‑Private Sector MSMEs Dialogue- the MSME Connect Forum. The event brought together entrepreneurs, government agencies, financial institutions, and development partners to explore opportunities for enterprise growth and resilience. Hundreds of business owners from across the county attended…

SMEs urged to rethink East Africa expansion strategies, cut middlemen reliance

Sacco ReviewJune 5, 202604 mins

Small and Medium‑sized Enterprises (SMEs) eyeing growth beyond Kenya have been cautioned against treating the wider East African region as a single, uniform market. Trade experts say such blanket expansion strategies risk undermining business prospects, urging firms instead to adopt deliberate, country‑specific approaches. Speaking during the NCBA Trade Commissioners Forum in Nairobi, Regional trade advisor…

Experts warn of KSh3.3 trillion MSME financing shortfall

Sacco ReviewJune 4, 202604 mins

Kenya’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is staring at a severe credit crunch, with experts warning that the country faces a KSh3.3 trillion funding gap that threatens the survival and growth of the sector. Financial institutions are currently providing only a fraction of the capital required to sustain operations, raising fears about the…

Kiambu residents urge Finance Committee to protect MSMEs, adopt policies that encourage local investment

Sacco ReviewJune 3, 2026012 mins

Residents of Kiambu County have called on the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning to protect Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and encourage local investment through the adoption of business-friendly policies. Speaking during a public participation forum on the Finance Bill, 2026, alongside the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill,…

Co‑operative Bank named Africa’s SME bank of the year at African Banker Awards

Sacco ReviewMay 31, 202604 mins

The Co‑operative Bank of Kenya has been recognised as SME Bank of the Year in Africa, underscoring its growing influence as one of the continent’s leading financiers of small and medium‑sized enterprises. The award was presented during the 20th African Banker Awards held on the sidelines of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings in…

I&M Bank partners with Google to train Kenyan SMEs in AI and digital skills

Sacco ReviewMay 30, 202604 mins

Kenyan small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to benefit from free Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills training through a new partnership between I&M Bank and Google, aimed at boosting competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy. The initiative will equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge in AI tools, digital marketing, business strategy and leadership development,…

Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya (centre) alongside PSs Mang'eni

MPs push for financial literacy before disbursement of MSME funds

Sacco ReviewMay 24, 2026May 24, 202604 mins

Members of Parliament (MPs) have urged the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development to strengthen financial literacy programmes before releasing additional funds under government empowerment initiatives. The legislators said equipping beneficiaries with financial management skills would help improve the sustainability of the programmes by enabling recipients to manage loans and grants…