Machakos: The State Department for Micro Small Medium Enterprise Development (MSMEs) has embarked on Public Participation Forums across the country to gather views on MSMEs Draft Policy 2025. A recent forum held at a Machakos hotel drew participants from Lower Eastern regions of Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui to validate draft policies aimed at addressing challenges faced by traders in Machakos.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Director of Planning from the State Department for MSMEs Development, Antony Njeru, emphasized the importance of public input, particularly from entrepreneurs, on the recommended policy objectives. Njeru highlighted the need to assess whether these objectives could effectively tackle challenges such as access to markets and credit, which the government aims to solve through trade guarantee schemes and affirmative funds.
Njeru also acknowledged ongoing efforts with banks to develop affordable financial products for MSMEs, addressing concerns about high interest rates that often drive traders to seek alternative, less favorable financial options. Furthermore, he outlined plans to improve the quality and quantity of MSME outputs to meet international and domestic market demands by expanding market access, offering financial literacy, and enhancing technology and capacity building.
Machakos CECM Trade, Innovation, and MSMEs, John Kilonzo, praised the collaborative efforts of the National Government and counties in creating a conducive business environment and regulatory framework for traders. Kilonzo stressed the importance of financial literacy, knowledge, and exposure through capacity building to help traders excel and capture international markets. He expressed optimism about creating better business conditions and employment opportunities in Machakos in the near future.