On 23rd August 2024, KEPSA hosted the Annual SME Conference, Awards, and Exhibition at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Nairobi. The event was graced by Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, FCPA, E.G.H, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development. The conference, under the theme, “Unlocking Financing and Scaling up Innovations and Accelerated Growth,” showcased available market solutions, fostered connections for scalable projects with a broader impact on both SMEs and the overall business ecosystem, and facilitated discussions on collaborative solutions from various stakeholders. 

Speakers at the event included Ms. Carole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO; Ms. Rose Mwaura, KEPSA COO; Ms. Cynthia Kropac, Chief Business Officer at Safaricom PLC; Dr. Vimal Shah, Bidco Africa Limited & KEPSA Advisor; Mr. Kangor Yatich, Deputy at Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA); Mr. Joseph Murabula, Chief Executive Officer, The Kenya Climate Innovation Centre among others.

The event brought together more than 800 participants including entrepreneurs, industry experts, thought leaders, investors, policymakers, government representatives, and representatives from financial institutions, business support organizations, corporations working with SMEs, market intermediaries, technology and solution providers, academia, research institutions, and the media. 

Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, highlighted the status of the SME policy environment in Kenya, including regulatory reforms, targeted interventions, and strategic opportunities aimed at empowering SMEs to thrive in today's competitive marketplace. Hon. Oparanya outlined various interventions the government is undertaking to unlock the full potential of MSMEs to help them overcome the challenges stifling the sector. He mentioned the Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS), “an initiative whose objective is to facilitate access to quality and affordable credit as well as foster the development of the Financial Services Sector. The CGS, which is being implemented in partnership with selected Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs)/banks, has so far unlocked Ksh.6.18 billion to MSMEs with 71% of the guaranteed facilities extended to new borrowers,” he said.

Additionally, the CS applauded KEPSA for designing the MSME Financing Gateway, which will not only bridge the financing gap for MSMEs but also empower them to thrive and contribute to economic development.  He said that the initiative has the potential to significantly complement the government's efforts in supporting the growth and development of the sector.

“As the new Cabinet Secretary in charge of the MSME Sector, I wish to reiterate my Ministry's unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and development of our nation's MSMEs. We will work closely with KEPSA and other relevant stakeholders to create a conducive environment that supports MSME innovation, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness,” affirmed Hon. Oparanya.

On her part, Carole Kariuki, KEPSA’s Chief Executive officer emphasized KEPSA’s dedication to hosting these gatherings that underscore the organisation’s resolve to drive sustainable growth and innovation.

“We are committed to creating an environment where businesses can thrive and contribute meaningfully to Kenya's economic and social prosperity. Together, we will continue to elevate our initiatives, ensuring a ripple effect of positive change that benefits all,” she added.

The MSME Financing Gateway, now in its second phase of EU-EAC MARKUP and to be hosted by KEPSA, will allow users to access financing instruments, business, and sustainable development services available in a country. They will be able to filter, analyse and match their needs, and then link directly to providers at no cost. This multilingual platform works on mobile phones, PC/Mac or tablets and is easy for hosts to maintain. Subscribers will also be able to receive updates and notifications via email informing them about new facilities and resources. Providers will be able to update their data through easy-to-use templates and an administrators’ workflow system. The Gateway will be instrumental in supporting MSMEs to thrive and contribute to the economic development of their communities. 

It is for this reason that KEPSA’s Chief Operating Officer Ms. Rose Mwaura, highlighted the importance of Unlocking Financing and Scaling up Innovations and Accelerated Business Growth for SMEs. “I urge all of us to embrace the opportunities presented today. Let us work together to unlock the full potential of our SMEs, driving forward the economic growth and innovation that our nation so richly deserves,” she commended.

She was echoed by Mr. Kangor Yatich, Deputy at Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), who noted that one of the most pressing challenges faced by SMEs is access to finance that inhibits their ability to access technology, increase or expand and explore international markets. “Unlocking the financing of SMEs in the country stands as the most pivotal strategy to drive the growth of Kenya's economy,” he remarked.

From a corporate perspective, Ms. Cynthia Kropac from Safaricom PLC reiterated the crucial role SMEs play in driving economic growth and innovation. `Ms. Kropac also underscored Safaricom's commitment to supporting SMEs through various initiatives, including digital tools and platforms that help these enterprises scale and thrive in a competitive market.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) account for 90 per cent of businesses globally and are critical for employment creation, output production, and economic growth. SMEs play a vital role in Kenya's economy, contributing over 80% to employment creation and accounting for about 33.8% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Despite their economic significance, Kenyan SMEs face challenges such as limited access to financing, poor infrastructure, market access constraints, regulatory issues, insufficient skills and technical expertise, inadequate business support services, and volatile market conditions.

“The regulatory system needs to come up with something radical that will remove licensing and charges to exempt SMEs from all the issues that affect businesses or industry to start. For every single company that makes a profit in Kenya, the government is at least 30% to 35% shareholder in corporate tax. So, can we make sure we nurture them to get them up? Otherwise, we’ll be charging them heavy penalties, which it’s not fair,” said Dr Vimal Shah, Chair, BIDCO Africa and KEPSA Advisor who also challenged SMEs to take advantage of crowdfunding, peer-to-peer learning, and regional trade agreements in COMESA, EAC, SADC and AfCFTA.

The conference also recognized nine SMEs for exemplary innovations. Safi Organics was awarded the best overall business innovation award in the Innovation Excellence Awards, while Mazao Fertilizer and Eco Bio Fertilizer took 1st and 2nd Runner Up respectively. The Best Youth-led Business Innovation Award was won by Timao Group, while Kawili Group Kenya Limited and Finda took 1st and 2nd runner respectively. The best women-led business innovation Award went to Wanderlust Dairies Limited, while Junky Bins Company and Alive & Kicking Kenya took 1st and 2nd runner up respectively.

Six SME enablers were feted during the award ceremony. These awards aim to recognize the exceptional efforts and contributions of organizations that have played a significant role in enabling the growth and success of SMEs. The Innovation Excellence Awards received 293 submissions, but Light for the World emerged top while Green Pavers and Baye Africa took 1st and 2nd runner up. The SME Enablers of the Year Awards garnered 183 entries, but Kenya Climate Innovation Centre emerged at the top while Nation Media Group and Widu Africa took 1st and 2nd runner-up. The entries indicated robust participation and interest within the SME community.

The conference delved into SME financing in Kenya through the 4 A’s approach: Accessibility, Affordability, Acceptability, and Awareness. It also highlighted market opportunities for SMEs locally, regionally, and internationally, and how they can be harnessed. Additionally, it fostered a culture of innovation, investing in supportive ecosystems, and empowering entrepreneurs to pursue their bold ideas to unlock the full potential of SMEs.