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

MSME Alliance opposes KRA’s Sh3.2m cargo benchmark

Sacco ReviewAugust 15, 202605 mins

MSME Alliance has opposed KRA’s proposed increase in the consolidated cargo customs benchmark from Ksh2.5 million to Ksh3.2 million. The alliance says the 28 per cent increase would raise import costs, squeeze working capital and threaten the survival of small businesses. It wants KRA to retain the Ksh2.5 million benchmark and consult traders before making…

Uasin Gishu MSMEs get boost in access to finance

Sacco ReviewAugust 14, 202606 mins

MSEA and KBA are training women and youth entrepreneurs on financial literacy and business management. The programme aims to improve MSMEs’ access to affordable finance, markets and business information. Thirty MSMEs will receive mentorship through the Equity Bank Foundation, with the programme set to expand nationwide. Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) has strengthened its…

Uwezo Fund gives 21 Emgwen groups Sh2.8m to boost SMEs

Sacco ReviewAugust 13, 202605 mins

Twenty one Emgwen groups have received Sh2.8 million from Uwezo Fund to start and expand small businesses. The beneficiaries completed training in entrepreneurship, financial management, accountability and leadership. Emgwen MP Josses Lelmengit urged the groups to invest the funds responsibly and build sustainable enterprises. Twenty one community groups in Emgwen Constituency have received Ksh2.8 million…

Gov’t to equip Homa Bay youth groups with SME skills

Sacco ReviewAugust 10, 202605 mins

Government plans to equip youth groups in Homa Bay with practical skills and resources to develop sustainable businesses. Nearly 600 youth groups will identify suitable enterprises, with proposals subject to verification before support is allocated. The programme will promote entrepreneurship, employment and youth empowerment while strengthening peace, security and unity in the county. Principal Secretary…

Arati urges Kisii traders to join Saccos for soft loans

Sacco ReviewAugust 4, 202607 mins

Kisii Governor Simba Arati has urged traders to join Saccos to access affordable loans, government funds and business support. Arati said Saccos promote saving, financial discipline and easier access to programmes such as the Hustler Fund and NYOTA. The county also plans a youth savings fund to help talented young people grow their skills into…

SMEs get boost as Airtel Money launches Bizna Wallet

Sacco ReviewAugust 4, 202605 mins

Airtel Money has launched Bizna Wallet to help SMEs separate business and personal finances and improve cash flow management. The wallet enables businesses to track sales, receive payments across mobile money networks and protect transactions from unauthorised reversals. Airtel Money has also expanded its Rudishiwa programme, offering 50 per cent cashback on eligible transactions of…

SMEs urged to invest in staff training to curb unemployment

Sacco ReviewAugust 3, 202605 mins

SMEs urged to invest in staff training to tackle unemployment Workforce development seen as key to creating jobs and boosting productivity Employers urged to improve working conditions and career growth Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have been urged to help tackle Kenya’s unemployment crisis by investing in staff training, mentorship and career development, rather…

Siaya youth groups receive machinery in MSEA empowerment drive

Sacco ReviewAugust 1, 202604 mins

MSEA issued machinery to 15 youth groups in Siaya County to boost youth enterprises, employment and incomes through an economic empowerment programme. Beneficiaries received equipment including welding machines, sewing machines, motorcycles, salon kits, car wash machines and other business tools to support enterprise growth. Youth were urged to apply for the Kenya Jobs and Economic…

Experts call for deeper capital markets to fund SMEs

Sacco ReviewJuly 30, 202606 mins

Experts urge Kenya to deepen capital markets to unlock long term financing for SMEs. SMEs remain underserved as heavy reliance on bank lending limits access to affordable growth capital. Pension funds and institutional investors urged to channel more domestic savings into productive private sector investments instead of government securities. Industry experts have called on Kenya…

KCB secures Ksh12.9bn EBRD funding for SME lending

Sacco ReviewJuly 30, 202604 mins

KCB Bank Kenya has secured Ksh12.9 billion (US$100 million) from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to expand MSME lending. Women and youth owned businesses will receive 35 per cent of the funding, while 30 per cent will support green investments. The facility will also provide technical assistance to strengthen KCB’s green financing and…