By Jerotich Korir

Stakeholders have reaffirmed the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners and the private sector to address the challenges facing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), during an Inclusive Youth Business Support (IYBS) Seed Project stakeholders' engagement held in Uasin Gishu County.

The forum brought together entrepreneurship ecosystem players to discuss strategies for improving the business environment for MSMEs and expanding employment opportunities for women and young people through coordinated policy implementation, access to finance and business development support.

The IYBS Seed Project, implemented by SNV Netherlands Development Organization in collaboration with government institutions and other ecosystem partners, seeks to address long-standing barriers that continue to limit the growth of small businesses, including restrictive regulations, fragmented support systems, limited access to finance and inadequate business development services.

Speaking during the meeting, Nduta Ndiragu of SNV Netherlands Development Organization said the project is taking a comprehensive approach by addressing the systemic barriers that prevent entrepreneurs from building sustainable businesses.

"We are bringing solutions to some of the major challenges facing micro and small enterprises," Ndiragu said. "These include regulatory and policy issues that affect how businesses operate, access to finance and quality Business Development and Technical Assistance services."

She noted that while many programs have focused on supporting individual enterprises, the IYBS Seed Project is investing in strengthening the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem to ensure businesses operate within a more enabling environment.

"The main objective of IYBS is creating decent employment for women and youth," she said. "We are doing this by strengthening the ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs because sustainable businesses create sustainable jobs."

Among the project's key achievements, Ndiragu highlighted its support to the Uasin Gishu County Government in developing policies aimed at improving the operating environment for MSMEs.

However, she said the program’s ambitions extend beyond county governments.

According to Ndiragu, one of the biggest obstacles facing Kenya's MSME sector is the fragmentation of support services, with many organizations implementing programs independently instead of through a coordinated framework.

"There are many institutions doing commendable work, but everyone is operating independently," she said. "The ecosystem is fragmented, and that reduces the overall impact of the support being provided."

She revealed that, subject to continued funding and an extension of the programme, SNV plans to work with the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) and the State Department for MSMEs to develop a National MSME Coordination Framework.

The proposed framework would bring together government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, business membership organizations and private sector actors to ensure better coordination of MSME support programs across the country.

"We want to create a system where different actors complement each other's work instead of working in isolation," she said. "Better coordination will help eliminate duplication, improve efficiency and ensure entrepreneurs receive more comprehensive support."

She added that coordinated efforts would make it easier for entrepreneurs to access critical services, including financing, business registration, mentorship, training and market linkages.

Echoing the need for collaboration, Tabitha Gicheru of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) welcomed the increased investment in Kenya's MSME sector, saying it presents an opportunity to address existing bottlenecks while unlocking the sector's immense potential.

"We are encouraged by the support that is now being directed to the MSME sector," Gicheru said. "It gives us an opportunity to address the challenges businesses face while building on the many opportunities available."

She explained that the IYBS Seed Project goes beyond policy formulation by bringing together entrepreneurship ecosystem players to connect businesses with services offered by both government and private sector institutions.

"This project is not just about policy," she said. "It is also about ensuring entrepreneurs understand what support government institutions, development partners and the private sector can offer them."

According to Gicheru, many entrepreneurs struggle because they lack information on where to access financing, business advisory services, technical assistance, training opportunities and markets.

"By bringing ecosystem players together, entrepreneurs are able to identify the services available and establish partnerships that can help their businesses grow," she said.

She emphasized that MSMEs remain central to Kenya's economic growth, contributing significantly to employment, innovation and household incomes.

"The success of our economy largely rests on the strength of MSMEs," Gicheru said. "That is why both the public and private sectors must continue working together to create an environment where businesses can succeed."

Stakeholders at the Uasin Gishu forum expressed optimism that stronger policy frameworks, improved coordination and increased collaboration among ecosystem actors will enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs and accelerate job creation for women and youth.

As Kenya continues to pursue inclusive economic growth, initiatives such as the IYBS Seed Project are expected to play a critical role in building resilient enterprises, improving livelihoods and strengthening the country's entrepreneurial ecosystem for long-term