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

Government expands affordable credit access to boost MSME growth, create jobs

Sacco ReviewJuly 1, 202603 mins

The government is intensifying efforts to unlock financing for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by widening access to affordable credit and introducing tailored financial products for different categories of entrepreneurs. Speaking at the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) Customer Networking Forum in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for MSME Development Susan Mang’eni emphasized that bridging the financing…

Ruto: Affordable credit remains biggest obstacle for MSMEs

Sacco ReviewJune 28, 202604 mins

President William Ruto has urged a fresh approach to financing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), stressing that lack of affordable credit continues to be the greatest challenge facing the sector. Speaking during the 2026 World MSME Day celebrations at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Ruto acknowledged government efforts to support entrepreneurs but insisted…

CS Mbadi pledges stronger support for women-led enterprises

Sacco ReviewJune 28, 202603 mins

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs), emphasizing their critical role in driving poverty reduction and economic growth. Speaking during a women empowerment forum at Ndiru Primary School in Homa Bay Town Constituency on Friday, June 26, 2026, Mbadi underscored the importance of women…

President Ruto urges banks to boost MSME lending

Sacco ReviewJune 28, 202604 mins

President William Ruto has called on commercial banks to expand credit access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), warning that limited financing continues to stifle growth in one of Kenya’s most vital economic sectors. Speaking at the World MSME Day celebrations held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, the President emphasized…

Absa Bank partners with Google to empower 3,000 SMEs with digital and financial skills

Sacco ReviewJune 23, 202605 mins

Small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country are set to benefit from a new partnership between Absa Bank Kenya and the Google Hustle Academy, which will provide training and financial support over the next 12 months. The initiative, unveiled in a joint statement, aims to equip entrepreneurs with digital expertise, financial literacy, growth strategies,…

SMEs show strong optimism as mobile money drives growth and digital confidence- Mastercard study

Sacco ReviewJune 19, 202605 mins

Kenya’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are entering the year ahead with renewed optimism in mobile money and digital payments. A new Mastercard SME Confidence Index reveals that 66 percent of SMEs are confident about their business outlook, while 70 percent expect revenue growth over the next 12 months. The survey credits Kenya’s deep digital…

Stakeholders reject harsh penalties in Street Vendors Bill, call for fairer measures

Sacco ReviewJune 17, 202604 mins

A proposal in the Street Vendors Bill, 2023, that seeks to impose fines of up to Sh200,000 on street traders has drawn sharp opposition from lawmakers, government officials, and market stakeholders, who argue the penalties are excessive and risk worsening the plight of thousands of Kenyans who rely on informal businesses for survival. The Bill…

Women entrepreneurs still locked out of credit despite growing role in local economy

Sacco ReviewJune 13, 202605 mins

Women‑owned enterprises continue to face significant barriers in accessing business financing despite their expanding role in Kenya’s economy, new data shows. Figures released by Metropol Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) reveal that female‑led businesses account for just 27 per cent of outstanding MSME credit value, compared to 73 per cent for male‑owned firms. This means that…

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…