Nairobi Hosts 5th Edition SME Conference Focused on Green FinancingNorth Eastern Regional Commissioner Issues Ultimatum to Security Officers Engaged in Alcohol Business

NAIROBI, Kenya — The 5th Edition Conference and Expo for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) was recently convened in Nairobi, focusing on leveraging green financing to spur sustainable economic growth among SMEs. The event brought together industry stakeholders to discuss advancements and collaborative strategies aimed at enhancing the sector’s contribution to Kenya’s economic framework.

According to Kenya News Agency, Small and Medium Enterprises, the government has acknowledged the pivotal role of SMEs by establishing dedicated Ministry and Department structures to support them. He emphasized the conference’s role as a crucial networking and strategizing venue for stakeholders to address sector-specific challenges and explore growth-enhancing interventions within Kenya’s economic transformation agenda.

Chelugui underscored the significance of financial institutions, particularly Saccos, in providing essential services to SMEs, which are instrumental in various economic activities including production, industrialization, and job creation. He noted that SMEs represent 98 percent of all business entities in Kenya, generating 80 percent of new employment opportunities annually and supporting over 15 million Kenyans.

Further elaborations were made on the governmental efforts to bolster the sector, highlighting two landmark bills aimed at reforming Saccos and enhancing collaboration among various entities like the Nation Media Group. This collaboration is intended to facilitate broader access to financial resources, with initiatives like Fortune Sacco receiving substantial funding for member support.

The conference also addressed the need for SMEs to harness opportunities within international markets, particularly in Europe, through collective representation and strategy alignment. The commitment to integrate SMEs into broader economic and developmental dialogues was reaffirmed, positioning them as essential drivers of growth, innovation, and employment.

NMG CEO Stephen Gitagama also provided insights into the challenges facing SMEs, particularly in navigating uncertain business environments and regulatory landscapes. He emphasized the critical role of platforms like the conference in fostering a conducive ecosystem for SME growth and the effectiveness of green financing in empowering businesses amid these challenges.

The government’s allocation of significant funds toward environmental conservation and supporting green financing initiatives was highlighted as a key measure to enhance MSMEs’ access to affordable credit, thereby facilitating their role in sustainable economic development.

GARISSA, Kenya – North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno has issued a stark ultimatum to security officers in the region who own or operate bars and liquor stores, emphasizing the government’s intensified efforts to combat the trade of illicit alcohol and drug abuse. The directive came during a meeting at the Garissa government Guest House, where the progress in the fight against illicit substances and the security situation concerning Al-Shabaab threats were discussed.

According to Kenya News Agency, there is an inherent conflict of interest for security personnel to engage in the alcohol business while expected to enforce laws against it. He asserted that officers must decide whether to continue their roles in law enforcement or pursue their interests in the bar business. Otieno warned that inaction would not be tolerated and those who fail to comply would face consequences.

Otieno also mentioned that he possesses a list of security officers involved in these enterprises, which will be shared with Regional Police Commander Moses Mureithi for enforcement of the directive. This move aligns with broader efforts to address substance abuse in the region, including the crackdown on unauthorized pharmacies and agro-vets, with more than 53 establishments closed and significant quantities of illicit alcohol destroyed.

The regional commissioner highlighted the particular challenge posed by the trafficking of bhang, often smuggled from Ethiopia through neighboring counties, noting that strategic roadblocks and inter-agency collaboration have been crucial in stemming this illegal trade.

Additionally, Otieno commended the local security agencies for their vigilance and successful efforts to thwart potential terror attacks, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining regional stability. He encouraged continued collaboration between the public and security forces to sustain peace and security in North Eastern Kenya.