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

BAHLITA opposes new tobacco licensing rules for traders

Sacco ReviewAugust 29, 202605 mins

BAHLITA opposes proposed tobacco licensing rules for traders. Traders warn extra licences could raise business costs. Association calls for stronger action against illicit tobacco trade. The Bars, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA) has opposed proposed licensing and registration requirements in the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, warning they could raise compliance costs…

Mombasa launches interest-free fund for small traders

Sacco ReviewAugust 28, 202605 mins

Mombasa launches interest free loans for small traders. Traders can access up to Ksh 15,000 under the first phase. Stawisha targets youth, women and marginalised groups. Mombasa County has rolled out a new economic empowerment programme called “Stawisha,” a revolving fund designed to give small-scale traders access to capital without the burden of interest charges….

Kindiki: Africa’s fragmented standards are costing small businesses

Sacco ReviewAugust 27, 202604 mins

Kindiki warns fragmented standards are making it harder for African businesses to trade across borders. Small and medium enterprises are bearing the cost of repeated testing and certification. Kenya backs ARSO efforts to achieve one standard, one test and one certificate across Africa. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on African countries to harmonise product…

Uasin Gishu engages traders ahead of market opening

Sacco ReviewAugust 25, 202603 mins

Uasin Gishu has engaged traders ahead of the opening of the 64 Ultra Modern Market. Traders want a fair and transparent online stall allocation process. The market is expected to improve trading conditions when opened during Mashujaa Day. Uasin Gishu County has intensified engagement with traders ahead of the official opening and stall allocation at…

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…

Banks step up lending to MSMEs as borrowing costs ease

Sacco ReviewAugust 21, 202604 mins

Banks have increased lending to MSMEs as falling interest rates make credit more affordable. The latest figures reveal which lenders are leading the race to finance small businesses. Lower borrowing costs are encouraging stronger demand for credit across key sectors of the economy. Kenyan businesses are gaining easier access to bank financing, with lenders advancing…

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…

Chesinendet ESP market nears completion, to boost SMEs

Sacco ReviewAugust 19, 202605 mins

Chesinendet modern market is nearing completion and expected to serve about 5,000 people More than 200 traders will get stalls with cold storage, ICT services and clean water facilities Women traders are set to benefit from safer trading spaces through the new market and Mama Shops initiative. The Chesinendet Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) modern market…

KKCF challenges Kakuma businesses to create more jobs

Sacco ReviewAugust 19, 2026August 19, 202605 mins

Turkana businesses are being urged to turn seed funding into bigger enterprises and more jobs County plans to expand Kakuma Modern Market and upgrade the Kakuma Letea road to boost trade Traders are eyeing wider markets as investment and business support expand in Kakuma Deputy Governor of Turkana County Dr John Erus has challenged beneficiaries…

Lugari traders sensitised on Kakamega County loan access

Sacco ReviewAugust 19, 202604 mins

Kakamega has set aside Ksh114 million for affordable loans to small businesses in 2026/2027 Market committees will help identify beneficiaries, track repayments and strengthen accountability Traders have been urged to borrow responsibly through registered groups and use approved payment channels Lugari traders have been sensitised on how to access affordable financing from the Kakamega County…