Background
The Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) is a state corporation established under the Micro and Small Enterprise Act No. 55 of 2012. The Act was developed through a stakeholder’s consultation process which took several years. The Authority is now domiciled in the Ministry of Industry,Trade and Co-operatives
The Act gives the Authority the mandate to formulate and Coordinate policies that will facilitate the integration and harmonization of various public and private sector initiatives, for the promotion, development and regulation of the Micro and Small Enterprises to become key Industries of Tomorrow.
The Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) occupy a very strategic position in the development of this country. They cut across all sectors of the Kenyan economy and have been identified as major contributors to employment creation and income generation. Micro and Small Enterprises are therefore a major vehicle for poverty reduction and wealth creation.
Successive governments have, therefore, over the years supported growth and development of the sector by implementing targeted interventions and programmes aimed at making it more vibrant. However, the full potential of the sector has not been realized as there has been several organizations attending to the MSE sector both in the public and private sector causing overlaps, duplication and confusion. The MSE Act now gives the Authority legal power to address this problem.
Functions of the Authority
Core Functions
The Authority will achieve its mandate by performing the following functions:
- Formulate and review policies and programs for Micro and Small Enterprises;
- Monitor and evaluate the implementation of existing policies and programmes related to, or affecting the micro and small enterprises and advise the Government on appropriate policies and course of action to be taken;
- Coordinate, harmonise and facilitate the integration of various public and private sector activities, programmes and development plans relating to Micro and Small Enterprises;
- Promote and facilitate research, product development and patenting in the Micro and Small Enterprises sector;
- Promote the mainstreaming of youth, gender and persons with disabilities in all micro and small enterprises activities and programs;
- Mobilise resources for development of the micro and small enterprises sector;
- Promote access to markets by micro and small enterprises;
- Promote innovation and development of products by micro and small enterprises;
- Formulate capacity building programmes for micro and small enterprises;
- Facilitate technology development, acquisition and transfer by micro and small enterprises;
- Develop mechanisms, tools and programs for collection of comprehensive data disaggregated by sex, region and age among others, in collaboration with key stakeholders, to enable proper planning for the micro and small enterprises sector.
Vision, Mission, Core Values
Vision
Globally competitive Micro and Small Enterprises
Mission
To promote the development of competitive and sustainable Micro and Small Enterprises
Core Values
- Client focus
- Creativity and Innovation
- Integrity and Accountability
- Professionalism
- Teamwork and Inclusivity
