As Kenya joins the rest of the world in commemorating World MSME Day, it is an opportune time to reflect on the critical role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in driving the economy.
MSMEs contribute nearly 40 per cent to Kenya’s GDP and account for more than 90 per cent of all businesses and Safaricom Business has been right at the center in enabling its success.
However, beyond the numbers, these enterprises are the heartbeat of communities from the mama mboga in Kisumu to the online boutique in Nairobi and the agro-preneur in Meru.
Safaricom Tribe Lead, Packaged Solutions Franklin Okata says MSMEs in Kenya are agile, innovative, and deeply connected to local realities and Safaricom Business is keen to support the sustained growth of the sector into the future.
Backbone of Entrepreneurship
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In an interview with Swala Nyeti, Okata said Safaricom Business is offering services while also creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that gives MSMEs the relevant tools to scale, digitize, and compete no matter their size or sector.
From its Zidisha Plus bundles that allow business owners to share flexible data and voice plans across staff under one bill, to Domain and Email Hosting packages that help MSMEs to build a credible digital presence the telco says its goal is to meet MSMEs at their point of need.
And with 4G and 5G Business Internet now covering more than 97 per cent of the population, even the smallest enterprises can now access high-speed connectivity to meet its e-commerce, inventory management, customer service, and digital marketing needs.
Grow with Safaricom Business
According to Okata, the technology driven company understands that digital tools they offer small and medium businesses are only as powerful as the entrepreneurs utilizing them.
He says that is why Safaricom unveiled Grow with Safaricom Business, a national platform that has reached thousands of MSMEs through in-person and virtual workshops since March 2024.
These sessions are tailored to enable entrepreneurs to overcome common barriers such as:
• Lack of digital marketing skills
• Limited access to markets
• Inadequate regulatory knowledge
• Weak brand positioning
Through peer learning, expert talks, and networking, MSMEs have been learning how to use digital tools to build stronger brands, streamline operations, and unlock new markets.
Transactions & Transformation
At the core of the firm’s MSME offering is M-PESA for Business, an end-to-end solution that includes Business Till, PayBill, Bulk Payments, Pochi la Biashara, and Fuliza ya Biashara.
These tools are helping MSMEs to receive payments, pay suppliers, and build a financial track record all through the convenience of their mobile phones.
Safaricom’s credit solutions, like Fuliza ya Biashara and Taasi Pochi, are tailored to the real cash flow needs of small traders, eliminating paperwork and providing instant, collateral-free access to working capital based on their transaction history.
The Kenyan telco is also using data analytics and AI to understand merchant behavior and offer personalized credit limits, business insights, as well as growth recommendations.
For instance, if a business frequently pays suppliers using M-PESA, Safaricom can pre-approve working capital loans based on their digital footprint for business continuity.
Securing the Digital Journey
MSMEs continue to face increasing threats in an increasingly digital economy hence why Safaricom Business has integrated cybersecurity tools into its Business Internet packages providing simple, affordable protection for small enterprises making their inaugural steps online.
Whether you are a bakery launching on Instagram, a local printer managing orders through WhatsApp, or a fintech startup building on M-PESA APIs, Safaricom Business has the infrastructure, tools, and guidance to support you.
Enabling Innovation
Kenya’s MSMEs are fueling innovation across fintech, agritech, e-commerce, and logistics, and the tech-driven firm is enabling this with:
• Developer tools like M-PESA APIs
• Digital storefront plugins
• Affordable, high-speed internet bundles
• Collaborations with fintechs, logistics providers, and cloud service companies
The Safaricom Tribe Lead, Packaged Solutions says the firm’s role is to reduce guesswork, lower barriers, and create an intelligent support system that evolves with each business.
“As the world commemorates World MSME Day, my message is simple: your hustle is the heartbeat of this country. Your resilience and innovation continue to shape Kenya’s economy,” stated Okata.
Expanding MSMEs success into the Future
Looking ahead into 2025 and beyond, he intimated that Safaricom Business is doubling down on partnerships, innovation, and training and that MSMEs should look forward to:
• New AI-powered tools to optimize business performance
• Expanded Grow with Safaricom Business workshops in more counties
• Increased integration of cross-border payment solutions
• Scalable cloud-based tools and IoT offerings for small businesses
The company headed by Dr Peter Ndegwa is building toward a future where every entrepreneur in Africa, no matter their size or location, can access the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed.
“At Safaricom Business, we remain your partners not just in connectivity, but in progress. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to new heights, we are here to power your journey,” he concluded.
