The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) has signed a strategic two-year partnership with Netherlands Development Organisation, SNV to empower young businesses, particularly those owned by women and youth.
Under the collaboration, SNV will support MSEA in two critical areas: developing robust policy monitoring and evaluation tools and conducting awareness creation forums to enhance the understanding and implementation of entrepreneurship support policies.
SNV’s Country Director to Kenya and Burundi, Rebecca Hallam says the partnership targets to foster a thriving Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
“We are delighted to join forces with MSEA to drive sustainable development and create real impact for Kenyan entrepreneurs. Our shared vision is to unlock the immense potential of the MSME sector, with a focus on supporting women and youth-led enterprises,” said Hallam.
MSEA CEO Henry Rithaa says the parastatal is keen on creating tangible, long-term impacts for MSMEs.
“These efforts reflect a genuine concern for the well-being of entrepreneurs and aim to catalyse systemic transformation,” said Rithaa.
SNV brings extensive expertise in strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on promoting women in enterprise. Through the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa (IYBA-SEED) project, SNV will equip entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, starting with targeted interventions in Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, and Nakuru Counties.
By leveraging technology and evidence-based approaches, MSEA will enhance its ability to track progress, generate actionable insights, and make informed adjustments to its programs. Awareness creation forums will empower entrepreneurs with critical knowledge to navigate and leverage available support systems, fostering ownership and inclusivity within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This partnership is a pivotal step toward creating resilient, competitive MSEs and underscores the commitment to Kenya’s economic transformation from the bottom up. Both organisations expressed enthusiasm about the potential of this collaboration to drive real, lasting impact for Kenyan entrepreneurs and contribute to the country’s sustainable development goals.