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

High logistics costs lock SMEs out of AfCFTA markets, manufacturers warn

Sacco ReviewApril 10, 2026April 10, 202604 mins

Kenya’s manufacturing sector has sounded the alarm over crippling logistics bottlenecks that continue to erode competitiveness and block small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from fully benefiting from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The concerns were raised during the launch of the Logistics Study Report by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), which revealed…

SACCO industry defies economic pressures, records robust Q3 growth

Sacco ReviewDecember 14, 202509 mins

According to the latest Sacco Industry Quarterly Statistical and Soundness Report for Quarter Three (Q3)- September 2025, released by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA), the regulated Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO) industry has maintained strong growth, showcasing notable improvements across key performance indicators. This comprehensive report highlights the sector’s resilience, with total assets reaching…

Over 40 youth benefit as CORE Kenya injects Ksh 20 million for SMEs support in Meru

Sacco ReviewDecember 6, 202503 mins

The Community Roads Empowerment (CORE) Kenya, with funding from the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) through the World Bank, has injected Ksh20 million into 49 Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) formed by beneficiaries of the JSDF Meru Project. The initiative, which has been running since 2022, targeted underserved communities in Gitimbine, Mjini, and Majengo, where…

Stakeholders push for better business environment to boost SMEs growth and jobs

Sacco ReviewNovember 19, 202505 mins

The government has been urged to establish a more supportive environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enable them to thrive and contribute to national economic growth. During an award ceremony organized by Starbrands, stakeholders from various sectors called for lower taxes, including a review of stamp duty charges, saying the move would ease…

Law expert urges gov’t to impose penalties on delays in payment of pending bills to save suppliers, SMEs

Sacco ReviewNovember 12, 202505 mins

A law expert has proposed the enactment of a law giving timelines for payment of pending bills in Counties and the National government in order to cushion contractors and suppliers from losses. Melisa Achieng an advocate of the High Court of Kenya says penalties for delayed payments should be imposed by the Controller of Budget…

Boost for SMEs as new funding, investment opportunities unlocked in Kenya-Gulf pact

Sacco ReviewSeptember 19, 202508 mins

The partnership between Africa and the Gulf countries has been taunted as a major milestone towards promoting businesses and triggering economic growth in African countries. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are set to be the major beneficiaries with eased access to financing as well as investment opportunities to grow and sustain the ventures. Partners under…

SMEs gain competitive edge through practical E-commerce skills training

Sacco ReviewSeptember 1, 202505 mins

The Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Coffee, service industry and Leather industries received training on the E-commercial skills and Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) training courtesy of the partnership between the Kenya Private Sector Alliance(KEPSA) and the ITC’s EU-EAC MARKUP II Program. The training program which took place…

Foundation launched to train SMEs, youth on entrepreneurship and financial literacy

Sacco ReviewMarch 11, 202506 mins

A Foundation seeking to train the youth and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on entrepreneurship and financial literacy has been unveiled. Munyiri Africa Foundation (MAF) has embarked on a programme aimed at mentoring and imparting relevant knowledge and skills to the youth which will help hone their business skills and start and sustain their business…

Boost for SMEs as multibillion warehousing facilities open doors at Tatu City, create 1,000 jobs

Sacco ReviewMarch 5, 202508 mins

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country are set to benefit from multibillion-dollar warehousing facilities that have opened doors at Tatu City in Ruiru, Kiambu County. The Link Warehousing & Logistics Park is a joint initiative between Tatu City Limited, Chandaria Properties, Mahesh & Tirth Construction, and Steel Structures. It is expected to provide…

SMEs challenged to leverage on technology for growth, sustainability

Sacco ReviewFebruary 21, 202508 mins

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been challenged to leverage on technology and adopt industry networks to position their businesses better for growth. Industry players noted that for small businesses to flourish, adoption of technology is key as it helps in data management, enhanced protection against cyber threats, facilitates improved service delivery and enables access…