A lot of small business operators in Kenya continue to operate their hustle informally; no registration, no records, no online involvement.
However, in one of the summits held on 9th July 2025, analysts urged MSMEs to change on how they do their business in case they desire to expand.
Addressing women attending the Women in STEM Africa Summit at KICC in Nairobi, a leading expert in Kenya, at the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency Maurice Mang’eni had one thing to say:
“Growth can’t be in silence. If people can’t see you, they won’t support you.”
Maurice urged business people to be registered, begin to make proper records and develop brands that can compete in the local and the international market.
She stated that a great number of MSMEs continue to linger as they fail to manifest themselves as MSMEs professionally.
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“You can sell food, clothes, or offer services, but if you want serious growth, you must be ready to stand out,” she said.
Maurice also challenged businesses owners to maximize the use of the digital tools. Mobile apps, such as WhatsApp, mobile money, social networks and e-commerce websites could be used to target more customers and increase visibility to their business.
She also talked about Financial inclusion. She urged banks to be considerate in their policies and realize that a number of small businesses are denied access to funding based on the fact that they are not formalized and lack papers that pertain to the field.
The speech was beneficial to people like Mercy Achieng, a small salon owner in Umoja.
“since I started posting my work online, I noticed a big change as customers began messaging me for appointments “she shared.
