Create market opportunities for SMES, Govt told

What you need to know:

  • Her plea follows sentiments by Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed that scanty information about market acted as a hindrance to SME success in local and international markets.
  • “With the Micro and Small Enterprise Act 2012, being enacted after over 20 years of lobbying by among others KEPSA, Kenya has the legal framework for the SME sector in Kenya to steadily grow,” said Ms Ithau.

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), has urged the government to explore new markets for goods and services produced by Small and Medium Entreprises.

Ms Patricia Ithau, Director KEPSA said the government through the ministry of Industrialisation and Enterprise Development should honour its pledge to support SMEs through creation of marketing opportunities both in local and international markets.

“SME contribute to 25 per cent of our GDP, 50 per cent of the jobs and over 98 per cent of enterprise in our economy are run by them. If we are to make an impact on the jobs and economic growth in the country, we have to strategically invest in them,” she said.

Her plea follows sentiments by Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed that scanty information about market acted as a hindrance to SME success in local and international markets.

Mr Mohammed stated that there is continuous collaboration with various government bodies to ensure the SME thrive in their businesses.

CERTIFY SME GOODS

For instance, the Kenya Bureau of Standards have been in discussions with the ministry to certify SME goods and ensure they meet set standards. This he said helps the goods to sell widely both within and as exports.

KEPSA which is in charge of over 100,000 private sector players and SMEs has constantly lobbied for favourable working conditions for sector players.

“With the Micro and Small Enterprise Act 2012, being enacted after over 20 years of lobbying by among others KEPSA, Kenya has the legal framework for the SME sector in Kenya to steadily grow,” said Ms Ithau.

Mr Matanda Wabuleye chief executive of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce (KNCCI) at the launch of the SMEFest 2016 on February 10, 2016. PHOTO | LILIAN OCHIENG

She was speaking during the launch of the SME Fest 2016 set for April 7 till 9. The forum is supported by key sector players who include, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Export Promotion Council, Ministry of Industrialization & Enterprise Development, Export Promotion Council (EPC) and Kenya Investments Authority.

Dorcas Muthoni, the organizer of the SME Fest 2016 noted need of formal support for SMEs, including corporate finance, as a key scale up factor, that will see more micro and small enterprises grow to medium and ultimately large enterprises.