By John Kariuki
The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) is taking bold steps to support and empower Kenya’s MSEs through critical infrastructure and services aimed at scaling production and enhancing market access. This afternoon, MSEA’s Board, led by Chairman Mr. James Mureu and CEO Mr. HRithaa, visited two pivotal centers, the Kariobangi Centre of Excellence and the Karibu Business Support Centre, for a familiarization tour to assess their facilities, engage with staff, and understand the needs of MSEs within the centers.
The Kariobangi Centre of Excellence, a model manufacturing hub, provides critical support to MSEs through business incubation, access to common user industrial equipment, structured workspaces, and technical capacity-building. The Board was particularly impressed by the diverse range of enterprises incubated at the facility, including businesses specializing in steelwork, leather manufacturing, furniture production, and mechanical engineering. The Centre plays a vital role in enhancing standards and production capacity, offering entrepreneurs the resources they need to grow and innovate.
Among the notable incubatees at Kariobangi are Pyntal Designs, a cutting-edge design firm, and a bodybuilding workshop responsible for crafting windows for all electric buses in Kenya. These businesses exemplify the kind of forward-thinking and environmentally-conscious enterprises that the Centre aims to nurture.
In addition to Kariobangi, the Karibu Business Support Centre serves as a one-stop shop for MSEs seeking essential public services. Offering everything from business registration and tax compliance to branding and financial support, the Centre eliminates administrative barriers and streamlines the processes that entrepreneurs often face when accessing critical services. By bringing together various government agencies within the MSME ecosystem, it ensures that entrepreneurs can easily navigate the often complex bureaucracy, boosting their efficiency and productivity.
The MSEA Board reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening these centers, highlighting their role in scaling up production, fostering innovation, and ultimately expanding market access for Kenya’s MSEs. The government’s ongoing support for initiatives like the Kariobangi Centre and Karibu Business Support Centre is part of a broader strategy to empower MSMEs and stimulate industrial growth.
As Kenya’s MSEs continue to form the backbone of the nation’s economy, these initiatives are pivotal in providing the tools, resources, and infrastructure that entrepreneurs need to thrive. The visit underscores the government’s dedication to facilitating economic empowerment and ensuring that Kenya’s industrial sector remains competitive on the global stage.