President Ruto Reaffirms Government Support for MSMEs on World MSME Day 2026
President William Ruto has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), describing the sector as the backbone of Kenya’s economy and a key driver of employment, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking during the commemoration of World MSME Day 2026, President Ruto noted that MSMEs account for approximately 98 percent of all businesses in Kenya, making them one of the country’s most significant contributors to economic activity. He said the government remains focused on creating an enabling environment that allows small businesses to thrive, expand, and create more employment opportunities for Kenyans.
The President emphasized that the success of MSMEs is directly linked to the country’s economic transformation agenda. He observed that millions of Kenyans depend on small businesses for their livelihoods, adding that supporting entrepreneurs is essential to improving household incomes and reducing unemployment, especially among the youth and women.
President Ruto pledged that the government will continue implementing policies aimed at improving the business environment and addressing the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises. Among the government’s priorities is expanding access to affordable financing to enable entrepreneurs to start, sustain, and grow their businesses.
He noted that many MSMEs continue to face difficulties in accessing credit due to high borrowing costs and limited financing options. The government, he said, is working to ensure that more entrepreneurs can obtain affordable financial services that support business expansion, innovation, and increased productivity.
The President further stated that enhancing financial inclusion remains critical to unlocking the potential of Kenya’s entrepreneurial sector. He said improved access to capital would enable businesses to invest in new technologies, create additional jobs, and contribute more effectively to national development.
In addition to financing, the government reiterated its commitment to strengthening policies that promote entrepreneurship, encourage innovation, and support enterprise development across various sectors of the economy. The administration aims to empower businesses by improving the overall operating environment and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
President Ruto acknowledged the resilience of Kenyan entrepreneurs, many of whom continue to operate despite economic challenges. He praised MSMEs for their role in supporting families, driving local production, and contributing to economic resilience across the country.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, digital transformation, and value addition to enhance their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. According to the President, empowering MSMEs will be instrumental in achieving long-term economic growth and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
World MSME Day is observed annually to recognize the contribution of micro, small, and medium enterprises to economic development worldwide. In Kenya, the sector continues to play a central role in job creation, income generation, and poverty reduction, with millions of citizens either owning or working in MSMEs.
As the country marked this year’s World MSME Day, the government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that entrepreneurs have access to the resources, policies, and financial support necessary to grow their enterprises and contribute to Kenya’s broader economic development.
