As we come together to celebrate the pivotal role of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) on this special MSMEs Day, June 27, 2023, we are thrilled to embrace and partake in the theme set by the United Nations: “Galvanizing MSMEs Worldwide by Supporting Women and Youth Entrepreneurship and Resilient Supply Chains.” 🌍🤝

It is imperative to recall that on April 6, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly, with a deep understanding of the critical role played by MSMEs in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development, adopted a resolution (A/71/279) officially recognising the significance of these enterprises.

This year, the Kenyan Embassy wants to cast a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) and Uwezo Fund on their role in the growth of MSMEs in Kenya. These funds are central to empowering our women, youth, and persons with disabilities, by not only fostering entrepreneurship but also by developing their skill sets and enriching resources. Through targeted initiatives, they contribute to addressing unemployment, particularly among the young and marginalised groups. By equipping them with the essential tools and knowledge, making them instrumental in driving the Nation on a steadfast trajectory towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

We are particularly proud to highlight the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) and Uwezo Fund, who were participants and among the keynote speakers at the SWEACC Business & Investment Forum 2023 this past May. Through their presentations, they showcased the potential that lies within Kenya’s MSME sector as a hub of innovation and enterprise in the Country as they continue building networks to ensure enriched resources and opportunities for Women and Youth-led MSMEs.

Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF)

• Champions enterprise development as an integral strategy for unlocking economic opportunities and galvanising youth engagement in Nation-building.
• Empowers the youth through transformative capacity-building and mentorship programs.
• Catalyses entrepreneurial ventures with crucial financial support and resources.

Uwezo Fund

• A catalyst for empowerment, focusing on women, youth, and persons with disabilities at the grassroots level.
• Facilitates accessible credit, nurtures entrepreneurship skills, inculcates bookkeeping acumen, and weaves market linkages and networks.
• A stunning Kshs 7.2 billion-plus has been disbursed to date, directly impacting the lives of over 1,124,221 beneficiaries, with 69% being female and 31% male.

On this MSMEs Day, let’s recognise the role of MSMEs in bolstering our economies and empowering individuals and communities. The Kenyan Embassy celebrates all YEDF and Uwezo Fund stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to empowering communities through MSMEs. Let’s continue to work together towards a prosperous and inclusive future for all.

To learn more about the work they do, find them: http://www.youthfund.go.ke/ and https://www.uwezo.go.ke/

Happy MSMEs Day! 🇰🇪