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

Massive turnout in West Pokot as CS Oparanya launches NYOTA fund drive

Sacco ReviewJuly 11, 202604 mins

As early as 7:00 a.m. the road leading to the famous West Pokot County Showground in Kapenguria was busy as youth streamed to the venue of the NYOTA Fund Disbursement. By 11:00 a.m. the showground was full to capacity as Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Wycliffe Oparanya…

Oparanya reaffirms Gov’t commitment to strengthen MSMEs through credit and market access

Sacco ReviewJuly 7, 202603 mins

Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Cabinet Secretary, Wycliffe Oparanya has reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through progressive policies, affordable credit, and capacity‑building programmes aimed at driving sustainable growth and competitiveness. In a speech delivered on his behalf by his Special Advisor, Dr. Edward Mudibo during…

MSEA reports strong progress in NYOTA youth business support programme

Sacco ReviewJuly 3, 2026July 3, 202605 mins

A total of 502,621 youth undertook the Entrepreneurial Aptitude Test, more than double the original target of 200,000 91,253 beneficiaries have received the first tranche of business startup capital totaling more than Ksh 2.01 billion The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) has recorded significant progress in the Business Support Component of the National Youth…

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…