4th MSME Connect Forum Advances Inclusive Growth Agenda in Kisumu

The 4th MSME Connect Forum, a flagship programme spearheaded by the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, was held on 28th November 2025 at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground, Kisumu City, under the theme “Building a Sustainable MSMEs Ecosystem for Inclusive Growth.”
The forum brought together MSME operators, cooperatives, financial institutions, county governments, development partners, and policymakers to engage on practical solutions for strengthening enterprise growth and competitiveness. As a direct engagement platform, the MSME Connect Forum is designed to bridge the gap between policy and enterprise by bringing Government services and support closer to entrepreneurs.
Participants were guided on key Government initiatives supporting MSMEs, including the Hustler Fund, the NYOTA Programme, support through Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), and the expansion of green financing options. These interventions are improving access to affordable finance, strengthening enterprise capacity, and opening up new market opportunities for MSMEs across the country.
The forum also emphasised the importance of financial literacy, proper record-keeping, and responsible borrowing as foundations for sustainable business growth. MSMEs were encouraged to adopt sound financial management practices to enhance resilience, improve access to credit, and support long-term competitiveness.
The Kisumu forum reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive MSME ecosystem that empowers enterprises to grow, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s economic transformation.