Kenya will carry out a new national census of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to help the government better support the sector, Cooperatives and MSME Development CS Wycliffe Oparanya has confirmed.

Speaking during the launch of a national committee for the upcoming MSME International Trade Fair, Oparanya said the last such survey was done in 2016 and fresh data is urgently needed.

“We need to carry out a survey to know where these MSMEs are concentrated. Once we know this, we can effectively channel resources and support through our key focus areas,” he said.

He identified financing, market access, digital tools, and climate resilience as the main government priorities, adding that without jobs from small businesses, infrastructure projects alone won’t calm public frustrations.

“We can build roads and infrastructure, but if we do not focus on creating jobs and economic activity through MSMEs, we will still have demonstrations on those same roads,” he said.

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To address funding gaps, the government is implementing a credit guarantee scheme to reduce risk for banks.

Oparanya also urged the region to drop trade barriers and tap into Kenya’s mobile reach to boost digital adoption.

Referring to a global conference in South Africa, he noted that MSMEs are rising up the global agenda, especially under South Africa’s incoming G20 presidency.

He also announced the expansion of MSME Connect, a government platform engaging regulators and private players.

On the inclusion of tax officials, he said, “The KRA has often been seen as harassing small businesses. Their presence here today is important as we seek to create a more enabling environment.”

The Nairobi trade fair, scheduled for 2–3 November, is expected to feature wide participation from regional and national stakeholders. Oparanya called for policy changes to speed up payments to MSMEs.

“In Kenya, businesses wait years to be paid, and many collapse in the process. We must fix this,” he said.

Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni said the initiative also lays the groundwork for Kenya to host a regional trade fair from 1st to November 10, 2025, bringing together MSMEs from across East Africa.