Oparanya Calls for Increased Private Sector Funding to Unlock Growth of Kenya’s MSMEs
Cabinet Secretary for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Wycliffe Oparanya has called for increased private sector investment in Kenya’s small businesses, saying limited access to affordable financing remains the greatest challenge facing the sector. Speaking during the World MSME Day 2026 MSME Sector Breakfast and Training held at the Iconic Plaza Hotel in Nairobi on Friday, Oparanya said this year’s national celebrations are centered on unlocking private sector financing and equipping entrepreneurs for an increasingly artificial intelligence-driven economy. The Cabinet Secretary noted that despite various government interventions aimed at supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, many businesses continue to struggle to access affordable credit, limiting their ability to expand, create jobs and contribute fully to the economy. Oparanya emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between government, financial institutions and private investors t...