The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA)

BARRACK AND EUNICE NDEGWA'S APICULTURE VENTURE IN MIGORI COUNTY Barrack and Eunice Ndegwa, a dynamic couple trading as Kenya Gold Nature’s Honey, ventured into apiculture after retiring from public service, Barrack as a civil servant and Eunice as a teacher. Since starting in 2020, they have invested in over 300 beehives across Migori County, processing and packaging their products at a cottage factory. Their product range includes refined honey, propolis suspension, candles, lotion, lip balm, peanut butter blended with honey, and wax, alongside selling hives and honey processing equipment. The enterprise employs 4 permanent staff and engages university students on contract during peak seasons. With plans to develop two more honey-based products, the MSEA Migori and KIRDI Migori offices will support them through product development, certification by KEBS, and linkages to markets via the Migori Agriculture Show and EAC Trade Fair in Nairobi. To order their products, the couple can be reached on 0722660751. #EmpoweringMSEs

CAPACITY BUILDING AND SENSITIZATION ON FORMALIZATION MSEA Kitui took part in a capacity building forum in collaboration with Hand in Hand E.A-Kitui branch. The NGO is supporting MSEs in sunflower and honey value chains. The training was held in Kabati town in Kitui West where 31 MSEs attended. The participants were leaders of various groups and CBOs that constitute the Kitui West Honey Marketing Cooperative Society. MSEA team being part of the facilitators got an opportunity to train on entrepreneurship, sensitize on MSEA mandate and formalization. The groups expressed interest in registering with MSEA. MSEA Kitui will continue collaborating with other organizations to promote, develop and regulate the MSE sector in the County. #EmpoweringMSEs

ENTREPRENEUR SENSITIZATION SESSIONS FOR WOMEN AND POULTRY FARMERS IN WAJIR MSEA Wajir conducted sensitization sessions targeting two key groups of entrepreneurs in Wajir, women selling clothes and garments, and poultry farmers. The sessions with women involved in clothes selling and tailoring focused on business formalization, record keeping, and market access opportunities, while also emphasizing the importance of group registration to enable them to benefit from MSEA support programs. The engagement with poultry farmers centered on business development services and collective marketing, highlighting opportunities for capacity building and access to financial literacy training. Both groups demonstrated strong interest in expanding their enterprises and expressed the need for additional training, equipment support, and linkage to wider markets. #EmpoweringMSEs

Today, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Hon. Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya officially launched the Africa Inclusive Finance Week (#SAM2025) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The premier continental event is organized by ADA (Appui au Développement Autonome), with the support of the Government of Luxembourg, the Microfinance African Institutions Network (MAIN), and the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Kenya (AMFI–K). The forum serves as a platform for exchanging insights, best practices, and innovations in inclusive finance. In his remarks, the Cabinet Secretary lauded ADA, MAIN, the Government of Luxembourgh and AMFI–K for bringing together key stakeholders to advance digital finance and promote inclusive growth an agenda that aligns perfectly with Kenya’s inclusive and collaborative development strategy. He noted that Kenya continues to lead the region in inclusive finance through innovations such as mobile money, digital credit, agency banking, and supportive policies under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He highlighted flagship initiatives such as the Financial Inclusion Fund (Hustler Fund) and the Affordable Housing Programme, which are driving equitable access to financial and economic opportunities. The CS emphasized that Kenya remains open for business and recognizes that sustainable inclusion requires collective effort not just as markets, but as partners in growth. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering strong public–private partnerships for a sustainable economy. The Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, he said, is focusing on four key areas: Financing, Market Access (including the annual EAC MSMEs Trade Fair to be held in Kenya from 7th to 16th November 2025), Digital Transformation, and Green Financing. He called upon stakeholders to work together with the Government to build systems that empower people, promote inclusive capital, and sustain enterprises. “Let us invent boldly, regulate wisely, innovate inclusively, and collaborate purposefully,” he concluded. #SAMConference #SAM2025 #InclusiveFinance #FinancialInclusionAfrica

EMPOWERING YOUTH IN KAJIADO THROUGH MSEA SUPPORT MSEA Kajiado office held a productive meeting with Kamura Lemelepu Youth Group from Olkeri Ward, Kajiado North, attended by Ward Administrator Ann Lesalaon. The group engages in environmental conservation and community support through menial jobs. MSEA officials sensitized them on the Authority’s mandate and available government programs, including AGPO. They also discussed the NYOTA and KJET projects, highlighting opportunities in skills development, entrepreneurship, and youth-led initiatives. The group was encouraged to register under the MSEA framework to access structured support and fully participate in government programs. They expressed commitment to begin the registration process. The session was interactive and laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration in youth empowerment. #EmpoweringMSEs

MSEA BUSIA SUCCESS STORY: FELLY HAIR & BEAUTY ACADEMY Felly Hair & Beauty Academy in Busia County has quickly become a powerful example of how support can turn a vision into real impact. Founded to equip youth especially women with beauty and cosmetology skills, the Academy initially faced hurdles in recognition, training capacity, and growth. With support from MSEA Busia, the Academy was guided through the accreditation process with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), ultimately achieving full accreditation. This boosted its credibility and helped attract more students. MSEA also recommended the Academy as a master trainer under a project by the Collaborative Centre for Gender & Development (CCGD), enabling it to train young mothers in practical, income-generating skills. In addition to technical support, MSEA provided ongoing business development training to both founders and students, strengthening their entrepreneurship and management skills. In just two months, Felly Hair & Beauty Academy transformed from a little-known outfit to an accredited, recognized institution making a real difference. Today, it stands as a hub of empowerment, helping youth and mothers in Busia build self-reliance and financial independence through skills training. #EmpoweringMSEs

COLLABORATION BETWEEN MSEA NAKURU COUNTY AND NAKURU COUNTY GOVERNMENT, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT ON CLEAN UP ACTIVITY AT BONDENI CIDC/WORKSITE MSEA Nakuru Regional Office, in collaboration with the Nakuru County Department of Environment, conducted a clean-up exercise at the Bondeni worksite/CIDC. The activity was led by the Chief Officer for Environment, supported by county environment officers and MSEA staff. Using county waste management resources, including trucks, the team removed and properly disposed of a large heap of litter that had accumulated over time. The site was successfully cleared, making it cleaner, safer, and more conducive for business operations. #EmpoweringMSEs

SENSITIZATION EXERCISE ON MSEA PROGRAMS AND FORMALIZATION MSEA Nairobi County Office conducted a sensitization training for the Kariobangi South Business Owners Association on MSEA’s mandate, programs, and registration processes. The association comprises 100 members representing all four sectors. The session emphasized the importance of formalization through the Office of the Registrar of MSEs and highlighted services available at the nearby Kariobangi Center of Excellence. Participants were also sensitized on market opportunities such as the upcoming EAC Trade Fairs, with a focus on meeting formalization requirements for market access. Members were encouraged to leverage government initiatives and available resources to enhance business growth. MSEA Nairobi reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to promote an inclusive and supportive framework for the MSE sector. #EmpoweringMSEs

ASANTE SANA for making the MSEA mission possible! 🙌 Sending an appreciation to all our staff, partners, and stakeholders whose dedication helps us to empower MSEs across Kenya. Together, you make our #MissionPossible. #EmpoweringMSEs #CustomerServiceWeek2025

The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) is proud to participate in the African Inclusive Finance Week (SAM) taking place from 13th to 17th October 2025 at KICC, a premier continental event organized by ADA (Appui au Développement Autonome), with the support of the Government of Luxembourg and the host country governments. Held biennially in a different African country, SAM stands as the largest Inclusive Finance Conference in Africa, bringing together over 900 professionals from across the globe. This five-day event serves as a Pan-African platform for exchanging insights, best practices, and innovations in inclusive finance. Participants benefit from expert-led training sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities with key stakeholders from microfinance institutions, banks, investment funds, regulators, and government agencies. The sessions delve into critical topics such as Social and Financial Performance, Transparency, Digital Finance, and Micro-Insurance. Visit the MSEA booth to learn more about our programs and services, and to connect with stakeholders driving the future of inclusive finance in Africa. #SAMConference #SAM2025 #InclusiveFinance #FinancialInclusionAfrica