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MSMEs Push for Bigger Investment at Business Ecosystems Summit
A Call to Unlock MSME Growth Through Capital and Collaboration
MSME owners and industry leaders are pushing for stronger investment and collaboration to drive Kenya’s next phase of business growth
. Speaking at the Business Ecosystems Summit (BES) 2025 in Kisumu, representatives from MSMEs, corporates, and sector associations urged investors and development partners to deploy more capital that reflects the economic contribution of Kenya’s 7.4 million MSMEs.
Summit convener and CEO of The IMC People, Jeanette Oromo, challenged industry players to act with urgency. She said the energy seen at this year’s Summit must translate into real partnerships and financing.
According to her, MSMEs continue to struggle mainly because of limited access to capital. She highlighted the need for patient financing models and inclusive value chains that give small businesses room to grow.
The Summit, hosted by The IMC People in partnership with the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) and the Kisumu County Government, showcased the region’s growing capacity to support enterprise development and attract new investment.
MSMEs Push for Bigger Investment at Business Ecosystems Summit
Strengthening Regional Competitiveness Through Strategic Partnerships
Kisumu County Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o emphasized the region’s readiness for business. He noted that Kisumu’s recent record of hosting major global events, including the Afreximbank conference in 2024 proves that the county is a competitive and strategic hub for investment.
Her Excellency Nasra Salim Mohamed Al Hashmi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Kenya, echoed the importance of collaboration. She stressed that Kenya remains a key gateway to East and Central Africa and highlighted the need for partnerships that support women-led enterprises, youth innovators, and high-growth startups.
She noted that trade and development thrive when people, ideas, and relationships come together.
BES2025 was built on the strong foundation of the 2023 edition, which attracted 9,000 attendees. This year, participation grew significantly.
The Summit features plenary sessions, sector panels, investment matchmaking, and a marketplace that drew over 10,000 visitors on its first day. More than 300 exhibitors, most of them MSMEs, are showcasing innovative products and services.
Looking ahead, Ms. Oromo reaffirmed her commitment to creating more platforms throughout the year to expand the Summit’s impact. She stressed that no entrepreneur should struggle alone when solutions already exist within the ecosystem.
BES2025 was supported by Arise IIP Kenya, AAR Insurance, KenInvest, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Kisumu Chapter, the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), and Med Aditus.
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