MSMEs - Sacco Review | The Leading Newspaper for Co-operative Movement in Kenya

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…

Why more women need to join the cooperative movement, CS Oparanya

Sacco ReviewJune 13, 202607 mins

Socio-cultural norms, lack of information, and male-dominated management in key sectors also limit participation. Martin Gichangi, an economist in Nairobi says women mostly shun Saccos in Kenya due to low disposable Incomes. By Mwiti Mukunga Fewer women join Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) in Kenya compared to men which is detrimental to the overall…

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…

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…

PS Kilemi urges Saccos to prioritize affordable loans over dividend payouts

Sacco ReviewJune 5, 2026June 5, 202604 mins

Principal Secretary for Co‑operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, Patrick Kilemi, has called on Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) to strengthen their institutional capital and shift focus from competing through high dividend declarations to offering affordable loans that directly benefit members. Speaking during an interview on a local station on Thursday,…

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,…

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,…

Oparanya urges stronger investment in MSMEs and co-operative societies

Sacco ReviewMay 21, 202603 mins

Cabinet Secretary for Co‑operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, has called for increased investment in small businesses, Saccos and grassroots economic programmes, insisting that government initiatives must translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Kenyans. Appearing before the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives during deliberations on the 2026/27 Annual…

Government moves to cushion small traders and MSMEs from rising business costs

Sacco ReviewMay 18, 202603 mins

The government has unveiled a series of interventions aimed at easing the financial strain on small‑scale traders and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) struggling with the rising cost of doing business. Appearing before the Senate Plenary, Cabinet Secretary for Co‑operatives and MSME Development Wycliffe Oparanya outlined ongoing programmes designed to provide affordable financing, expand…

Co‑operative Bank posts record quarterly profit as digital growth fuels expansion

Sacco ReviewMay 18, 202605 mins

Co‑operative Bank of Kenya has reported its strongest quarterly performance in history, posting a profit before tax of KSh11.37 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2026. The result, announced on May 13, represents an 18.1 per cent increase from KSh9.63 billion recorded in the same period last year. Profit after tax rose even…