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

Oparanya urges small traders to join Saccos for affordable credit

Sacco ReviewSeptember 2, 202606 mins

Oparanya urges small traders to join Saccos for affordable loans. CS warns against risks of informal savings groups and lenders. Traders are also encouraged to embrace digital financial services. Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Wycliffe Oparanya, has urged small business owners to join Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (Saccos)…

SMEs urged to adopt green energy to cut operating costs

Sacco ReviewSeptember 1, 202604 mins

Machakos SMEs are being urged to switch to renewable energy to cut costs. Solar power could help businesses manage rising electricity expenses. Stakeholders say green energy can boost productivity and job creation. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been urged to adopt green energy solutions as a way of reducing operating costs, improving productivity and…

Firms absorb rising costs in a bid to retain customers

Sacco ReviewAugust 27, 2026August 27, 202603 mins

Kenyan businesses are increasingly absorbing rising production and operational costs as they seek to retain customers amid growing price sensitivity and weakening purchasing power. The strategy is intended to protect sales volumes and prevent customers from switching to cheaper alternatives, but it is putting pressure on firms’ profit margins as fuel, transport, energy and raw…

Kenya picks 500 MSMEs, 100 NYOTA youth for Kigali fair

Sacco ReviewAugust 26, 202606 mins

Kenya selects 500 MSMEs to showcase products at the upcoming Kigali trade fair NYOTA youth beneficiaries to get a chance to access regional markets and business networks Government considers doubling the size of Kenya’s delegation as preparations gather pace Kenya has selected 500 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including at least 100 beneficiaries of…

Traders plan August 28 shutdown over rising costs

Sacco ReviewAugust 24, 202605 mins

Traders plan nationwide shutdown over rising business costs Higher customs values spark fresh concerns among importers SMEs demand predictable taxes and fairer business conditions Kenya’s small traders are stepping up their fight against rising taxes and import costs, with traders planning a nationwide business shutdown and demonstrations on August 28 under the banner “Businesses Under…

Makueni equips 3 youth groups to boost SMEs and incomes

Sacco ReviewAugust 24, 202603 mins

Makueni equips three youth groups to grow businesses Groups receive equipment to boost income generating activities County urges more youth to join community groups Three community groups in Mtito Andei have received business equipment from the Makueni County Government to support income-generating activities and strengthen small enterprises. The groups received the equipment under the Department…

Digital training set to boost women SMEs in three counties

Sacco ReviewAugust 22, 202607 mins

Women entrepreneurs in three counties are set to gain digital skills to grow their businesses. The training model could reach thousands more women through community based trainers. An online marketplace will help participants market products and reach customers beyond their local areas. Women running small businesses in Nairobi, Nyandarua and Tana River counties are set…

MSMEs Connect heads to Nakuru for 7th edition

Sacco ReviewAugust 21, 202603 mins

Nakuru hosts the seventh MSMEs Connect edition. Entrepreneurs and financiers will explore new opportunities. A permanent Nakuru chapter will also be launched. The Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development and the Nakuru County Government will host the seventh edition of MSMEs Connect on September 4, 2026, launching the forum’s Nakuru County chapter for entrepreneurs and…

WEF seeks more funding for women’s SME loans

Sacco ReviewAugust 18, 2026August 18, 202607 mins

WEF wants more government funding as demand for women’s SME loans rises. Ksh 41.2 million was disbursed to 200 women’s groups in Kilifi. WEF cut its maximum loan limit from Sh1 million to Ksh750,000 due to rising demand. Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) is pushing for a bigger government allocation after seeing a sharp rise in…

SMEs urged to tap Chinese firms for global fashion reach

Sacco ReviewAugust 17, 202606 mins

Kenyan fashion SMEs have been urged to partner with Chinese firms to access global markets, technology and new business opportunities. Nearly 120 companies, including about 100 Chinese and 20 Kenyan firms, participated in the East Africa (Kenya) Fashion Life Show. Buyer supplier matchmaking sessions connected Kenyan businesses with Chinese manufacturers, distributors and investors to promote…