MSE Bill gets the Presidents' Assent

It's a Great moment for the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) Sector in Kenya as the President Assents to the MSE Bill.......the Small Businesses Sector will never be the same again in Kenya.....Thanks to all the people who participated in making it a reality.......

APPRECIATION FOR THE SUPPORT TO THE 13TH EAC JUA KALI/ NGUVU KAZI EXPO, 2012.

The just concluded highly successful 13th EAC Regional Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Expo’2012 that was graced by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Burundi came to an end on 9th Dec. 2012. The theme was ‘’Promoting Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi through innovation, competitiveness, investments and Private Public Partnerships’’ The event took off from 2nd to 9th December 2012 at the ‘Musee Vivant de Bujumbura’ in Bujumbura, Burundi. The success of the expo is greatly attributed to each one of the under mentioned for the unwavering and valued support that they provided in ensuring its success. we feel greatly indebted to the following entities and individuals for their direct and indirect support to the Project Management and wish to extend special thanks to:  The Republic of Burundi for hosting the 13th EAC Jua Kali Nguvu Kazi Exhibition.  The East African Community Secretariat.  The East African Community partner states through the respective Ministries responsible for the development of the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi sector.  The East African Confederation of Informal Sector Organization (EA-CISO) Leadership for taking lead in their tireless efforts in the mobilization of the artisans (exhibitors) across the East African region  The Founder of AHD for his logistical support and the leadership of CISO Burundi for the ground support.  The Various sponsors that supported the various CISO Country chapters.  The Excellency Ambassadors of the partner states for their constant support and wise counsel during the expo.  All the Jua Kali/ Nguvu Kazi Exhibitors from the EAC Partner States and Corporate Institutions who took their time and resources to participate thereby contributing greatly to the success of the expo.  All others who sacrificed their time and resources to make the expo a success. We look forward to your continuous support as we introduce other programs within the East African Community region aimed at empowering the Micro and Small Entrepreneurs.

KEPSA HOSTS THE PRIME MINISTER FOR LUNCH TO APPRECIATE HIS LEADERSHIP OF THE PRIME MINISTER ROUND TABLE..

NAIROBI, December 11, 2012 – Private sector business leaders in Kenya under KEPSAs umbrella met with the Prime Minister to celebrate and appreciate the success of the dialogue process that began in August 2008. This dialogue took place under the Prime Minister Round Table (PMRT) championed by KEPSA. Speaking during this luncheon, the Prime Minister appreciated that the Round Table format has become a model of stakeholder engagement between the Government and key business leaders. The Prime Minister commended the timely involvement of the private sector in influencing key policy formulation. High level advocacy is one of the key strategies for KEPSA by lobbying for policies that enable a conducive environment for businesses. Hon. Odinga stressed that Kenya’s competitiveness can only be achieved when policies that support the growth of businesses are passed. In addressing one of KEPSAs key strategy which is enhancing trade and investment, he noted that his office is open to dialogue with the private sector to identify areas which need to do better and that he is willing to put more effort into addressing the challenges. He further stated that energy is a key sector in Kenya but the current energy price is too high. This remark addresses one of the advocacy initiatives KEPSA has been involved in through its energy sector board. He assured business leaders that this situation will not go on for a long time because in future, Kenya will rely more and more on cleaner and cheaper alternative to diesel which is set to bring down the cost of doing business. He singled out geothermal, wind and nuclear energy. He also noted that the LAPPSET project will go along way in addressing transport challenges. The transport sector has also been a key focus for the private sector as businesses understand a reliable and organized transport sector is important for economic development. In other remarks, since the private sector under the umbrella of KEPSA is championing peaceful elections evident from the upcoming Speakers Round Table in Mombasa from Dec 17 – 18, the Prime Minister said “I want to assure you and your counterparts abroad watching this country that this election will be free, fair and peaceful.” This comes at a good time when KEPSA is assuring investors that their businesses are safe. For the tourism industry, this is a good indication that Kenya still remains the tourist destination. Eng. Patrick Obath, Chair KEPSA, spoke on behalf of the private sector. He appreciated the achievements that the private sector has had during the 4 years of its engagement with the Prime Minister. “The private sector has given input in policy reforms which have had a great impact in the investment environment.” He further commended the Prime Minister for his leadership in the PMRT throughout the years, listening to the needs of the private sector and ensuring these needs are reflected in policy reforms for an enabling business environment. Eng. Obath assured the Prime Minister that private sector leaders are keen on continuous engagements in future. KEPSAs CEO Ms. Carole Kariuki applauded the Prime minister for the support he has given the private sector. She noted that the Private sector is keen to have the Public Private Dialogue institutionalized. Ms. Kariuki further informed the prime Minister that KEPSA has taken the lead to inform its members, who are the majority of employers in Kenya, to give their employees time off to register as voters. This comes at a time when Kenya is experiencing a low voter turnout prior to the upcoming elections. In attendance were key business and Government leaders, the Danish Ambassador Amb. Andersen Geert and French ambassador Amb. Etienne de Poncins.

Kenyan Businesses assured ahead of the coming elections

The commissioner of police assures the private sector in Kenya that Businesses are secure ahead of the General Elections: November 12, 2012, NAIROBI: Private sector business leaders under the umbrella of KEPSA together with the Diplomatic Community led by the Danish Embassy met with officials from the different Government arms of internal security spearheaded by Ag. PS Ministry of Internal Security and Provincial Administration at a local hotel. The aim of the meeting was to find ways in which these parties can engage to ensure that businesses and the country is free of violence ahead of the March 2013 General Elections. This comes after the 2007 political violence that paralyzed the country to a near standstill and recent cases of insecurity in parts of the country that has cost the country of business people, property, the public and police officers on duty. The private sector led by KEPSA highlighted key areas and recommendations on security from the private sector businesses:

LAUNCH OF THE CMA AWARDS KENYA 2012

CMA AWARDS KENYA 2012 – INAUGURAL AWARDS The CMA (Citi Micro-Entrepreneurship Awards) will be held in Kenya for the first time this year. This will be the inaugural CMA Award Kenya 2012. Citi has partnered with the Association of Micro-Finance Institutions (AMFI) to implement the awards program in Kenya. The Citi Micro-entrepreneurship Awards program has three overarching goals: 1. First, the program seeks to raise awareness about microfinance, particularly among micro-entrepreneurs who can benefit from it and regulators who have influence over the expansion of the sector to spur policymaking that builds more inclusive financial sectors and lays the foundation for a flourishing microfinance industry. 2. Second, the program seeks to build awareness of the important role micro-entrepreneurs play in their local economies by highlighting to the world their contributions and talents. 3. Third, the program seeks to catalyze innovations among microfinance institutions that will lead to the increased supply of demand-driven products and enhanced client capability. CMA AWARDS KENYA 2012 – ENTRY ELIGIBILITY Microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Kenya are broadly encouraged to nominate their clients who have exhibited excellence in areas such as loan repayment, business growth, employment growth, and impact on the community for their local Citi Micro-Entrepreneurship Awards program. All nominees must be submitted through a microfinance institution. Micro entrepreneurs may not nominate themselves directly to the awards team in their country. CMA AWARDS KENYA 2012 – MEASUREMENT OF SUCCESS A series of indicators have been established over the past few years to gauge the success of the micro entrepreneurship awards program. A key indicator is the commitment of MFIs (Micro-Finance Institutions), gauged by the number of MFIs that submit applications on behalf of micro entrepreneurs; the number of micro entrepreneurs who are nominated for the awards; encouraging leaders and opinion shapers in the country to support the awards.

Official opening of Maasai Market at City Mall Nyali in Mombasa by the Director of Trade -Kenya

The Maasai Market located at City Mall in Nyali, Mombasa was officially opened today (24th/Oct./2012) by the Director of Trade Mrs. Joyce A. Ogundo. The occasion was marked by entertainments by a Maasai dancing troop and was witnessed by a multitude of Maasai market traders and other invited guests. The proprietor of City mall, Mrs. Sheila Doshi and the CEO of youth Fund, Mr. Juma mwatata were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion while Mr. Richard Muteti, CEO MSE Sector, was the master of ceremony. The market provides an opportunity to Micro Entrepreneurs to sale and showcases their products and services to the various clienteles who visit the Mall including the tourists. The market provides an opportunity for more than 100 small traders to participate every Wednesday and Thursday. The Minister for Trade Hon. Moses Wetangula who was represented by the Director of Trade hailed the initiative and called upon other Mall owners to initiate the same.

EABC and ASK Holds the ''EAC Day'' on 5TH October 2012

The East African Business Council (EABC) and the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) in collaboration with the East African Community (EAC) holds the ‘’East African Community Day’’ The EABC and the ASK held the ‘’EAC Day’’ during the just concluded Nairobi International Trade Fair held between 01st and 07th October, 2012. 05th October was designated “EAC Day’’ and set aside to celebrate the EAC Integration and to showcase businesses that are in the forefront of taking advantage of the EAC Integration process. The celebration which included exhibitions, a luncheon and an evening cocktail drew participants from across the private sector businesses across the EAC and beyond. The days’ broad aim was to recognize the efforts of various companies in Kenya that consciously and consistently continue to pursue the East African objectives. The inaugural EAC day for this year was set to be held alongside the Nairobi International Trade Fair on 5th October, 2012 and formed the climax of the Nairobi International Trade Fair which took place from 01st to 07th October, 2012. The event brought together hundreds of exhibitors from over twenty different countries, mainly from Africa, Europe, Asia and the East African region. Objectives of the event were: 1. To showcase those businesses that have a regional outlook as well as those that are looking to expand across the region. 2. To appreciate the private sector participation in EAC integration and to embrace the East African Spirit. 3. To expose the private sector members from the EAC region to business opportunities in Kenya. 4. To expose the private sector members to the international opportunities provided by international trading partners like China, India and others represented in the trade fair; and 5. To expose the EAC private sector to networking opportunities and knowledge sharing experiences with international businesses.