DP Kindiki Reaffirms Support for Small Traders in Kisii Empowerment Forum

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering small-scale traders through targeted economic programs. Speaking during the Empowerment Forum for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) Saccos at Nyanturago Sports Ground in Kisii County, Kindiki addressed traders—among them mama mboga and boda boda operators—underscoring the critical role of MSEs in national development.

“Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) hold the key to Kenya’s economic transformation from the bottom upwards.” he said

The forum aligns with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to improve incomes and create new opportunities for grassroots entrepreneurs, particularly in sectors such as agriculture.

Why the Empowerment Drive Matters

Small traders form the backbone of Kenya’s informal economy, employing over 15 million people, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. From local vendors to small-scale agribusinesses, these enterprises face persistent challenges including limited access to capital, markets, and supportive policies.

To address these issues, Kindiki spotlighted two key government programs:

  • National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA)
  • Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET)

These initiatives provide financial grants, training, and policy support. For instance, the NYOTA program issues Sh50,000 grants to 70 small businesses per ward, with a focus on sectors such as retail and agribusiness.

Key Challenges for Small Traders

Despite their importance, small traders face several obstacles:

  • Limited Capital: Most rely on daily earnings, making business expansion difficult.
  • Market Access: Poor infrastructure and stiff competition limit reliable market opportunities.
  • Rising Costs: The high price of inputs—especially in agriculture—continues to strain operations.
  • Policy Gaps: Regulatory inconsistencies make it harder for informal businesses to thrive.

Opportunities for Stakeholders

Kindiki’s announcement opens doors for stakeholders to contribute meaningfully:

1. Financial Support
Saccos and cooperatives can help distribute NYOTA grants to traders, including those in agriculture. Organizations like Organic Farm Kenya are already supplying organic inputs to support smallholder farmers.

2. Training & Skills Development
NGOs and training partners can offer financial literacy and business development programs to strengthen trader capacity.

3. Improved Market Infrastructure
The government’s plan to construct 400 modern markets, including 21 in Kisii, will offer safer, more organized spaces for trade.

4. Agricultural Linkages
Farmers will benefit from better pricing in sectors like coffee, tea, and dairy, bolstered by government subsidies and input support.

The success of this empowerment agenda hinges on collaboration. Traders need affordable financing, business training, and market access. Cooperatives can enable strong linkages, while companies like Organic Farm Kenya can supply sustainable inputs to boost productivity in agribusiness.

“The activities we are undertaking as leaders to empower small-scale traders are meant to complement existing government programmes that pursue the same agenda,” Kindiki noted.

Aligning public and private efforts will ensure that MSEs not only survive—but thrive—catalyzing inclusive economic growth across the country.

Deputy President Kindiki’s renewed commitment is a rallying call for Kenya’s economic future. Traders, cooperatives, and stakeholders must step up, adopt sustainable practices, and capitalize on the opportunities available.

Support agribusiness traders today—discover sustainable solutions at Organic Farm Kenya.
Join the empowerment drive and be part of Kenya’s bottom-up economic transformation.