SMEs at the Center of Economic Growth Discussions at 25th EAC Trade Fair in Nairobi
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 11 – Ministers, senior officials, and business leaders from East African Community (EAC) countries have recognized small businesses as Kenya breaking news | Kenya news today |..
✨ Key Highlights
Ministers and business leaders from East African Community (EAC) countries convened at the 25th EAC Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Trade Fair in Nairobi, emphasizing SMEs as crucial for economic growth and highlighting the need for improved access to finance and greater participation in green and digital trade.
- SMEs contribute approximately 30% of Kenya's GDP and account for over 90% of new jobs, while across the EAC region, they represent more than 90% of businesses, 60% of employment, and 29% of regional GDP.
- The roundtable was co-hosted by Wycliffe Oparanya, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSME Development, and Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC).
- ITC research indicates that 43% of businesses face difficulties accessing finance, rising to 57% for micro firms, and only one-third of companies have adapted to climate change.
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KRA Appoints New Commissioner and Board Member Amid Focus on Small Businesses - November 2025
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has officially appointed George Obell, MBS, as the Commissioner for the Micro and Small Taxpayers Department (MST), effective November 10, 2025. Obell is recognized for establishing operational structures and enhancing tax compliance among small businesses. In a separate appointment, Shimaka Necheza Leonard has been named to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Board of Directors by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on November 4, 2025. Leonard's legal expertise is expected to strengthen the institution's integrity. These appointments coincide with the 25th EAC MSME Trade Fair in Nairobi, where ministers and business leaders emphasized that Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises are crucial for economic growth. The forum highlighted the need for greater participation in green and digital trade for SMEs.
