Kenya Launches National Program to Help MSMEs Meet International Export Standards
The Kenyan government has unveiled a comprehensive capacity-building program designed to equip Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the necessary skills and certifications to compete in international markets. The initiative, dubbed Kenya Export Ready, is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). The program specifically addresses the critical challenge of standards compliance that has prevented many local businesses from accessing lucrative export markets, particularly in Europe, North America, and other African countries under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The program will provide participating MSMEs with targeted support in several key areas, including product quality standardization, certification processes, packaging requirements, and understanding complex international trade regulations. Through a network of regional hubs, businesses will receive hands-on training, technical assistance, and subsidized testing services to help them obtain crucial certifications such as ISO standards, CE marking, and FDA approvals. For too long, our small businesses have produced high-quality goods but struggled to navigate the complex web of international standards. This program provides the bridge between local production and global market access, said Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development, Rebecca Miano, during the launch at the Kenya School of Government.
The business community has welcomed the initiative as a potential game-changer for export-oriented enterprises. The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) noted that many MSMEs have lost export opportunities due to inadequate understanding of international quality requirements. This program addresses a fundamental gap in our export ecosystem. Many of our members produce world-class products but lack the technical knowledge and resources to meet specific international standards. This support will significantly level the playing field, said KNCCI President Richard Ngatia. Early participants in pilot programs have reported successful market entry into regional markets, with several now preparing to export to European markets.
The long-term success of the program is seen as crucial for Kenya’s ambition to increase its share of global trade. The government has committed KSh 2 billion towards the initiative over the next three years, with plans to support at least 5,000 MSMEs achieve international certification. Our vision is to transform Kenya into a manufacturing hub for high-value products that meet global standards. By empowering our MSMEs to export, we’re not just growing individual businesses but strengthening our national economy and creating sustainable employment, CS Miano affirmed. The program represents a strategic shift from focusing solely on production capacity to building comprehensive export readiness among Kenyan businesses.