Introduction

The objective of the GIZ technical assistance (TA) is to enable implementation of interventions aimed at improving MSMEs Eco-system in Kenya. 

The activities that has been undertaken or are ongoing under the TA include:

1. Sensitization of stakeholders on MSE Policy: Already 13  workshops have been conducted across the country (Nairobi, Bomet, Meru, Garissa, Malindi, Mombasa, Nairobi, Kapenguria, Eldoret, Kitui, Nyeri, Kakamega, Kisumu ). Consultations ongoing between the parties on how to undertake stakeholders’ sensitization on the MSEs Policy in the rest of the 35 counties.

2. Strengthening Coordination and Implementation of MSE Policies and Support Programmes by: 

• Mapping of institutions that offer services to MSEs in Kenya. This has been done.
• Enhancing the capacity of MSEs associations and other Micro enterprise support organizations (MESO). This is ongoing
• Creating a framework for the Coordination of the MSE Policy by facilitating Forums bringing together MSE implementation institutions to develop integrated approaches to implementation of MSE Policy. This is yet to be initiated. 

3. Expanding Market Access for Locally Manufactured Goods thorough establishing challenges hindering market access for locally manufactured goods; develop necessary strategies to increase access; followed by sensitization forums on domestic market access.

4. Collaboration with KIRDI:

1. Standardize training material in five areas comprising honey processing; fruits and vegetables processing; animal feeds production; renewable energies and; training of artisans. The project is in the process of recruiting a consultancy firm to provide the required technical assistance. 
2. Training on one quality management system, that is, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). Implementation of HACCP is critical in food safety. The project is in the process of recruiting a consultancy firm to provide the required technical assistance.

5. Employment and skills for development in africa (e4d) project

The E4D is a regional project covering six African countries namely Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda that is being implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. 

The project aims at improving the employment and economic situation of job seekers, employees and enterprises in cooperation with the public and private sector in the above six African countries. 

The project has three components as follows:

1. Enterprise Development in which private or public enterprises are facilitated to implement interventions targeting the improvement of the economic and employment situation focusing on specific needs of MSMEs, youth, and women. This comprises the following activities:

• Identifying opportunities and assessing investment sectors for MSMEs;
• Enhancing competitiveness and integration of MSMEs into value chains as suppliers of goods and services to improve employability and provide opportunities for jobseekers; 

2. Capacity development of enterprises to increase demand of labour.

Skills development which focusses on improving the capacity of technical training institutions in undertaking skills development in their areas of specialization;

• Capacity building of training institutions through ToTs, training equipment and consumables;
• Promoting dialogue between industry and training institution; 
• Supporting vulnerable youth to acquire relevant skills through CBET (KNQA level IV) and basic skills (KNQA Level III) trainings; 
• Skills demand assessment (Identification of demanded skills before training starts).

3. Matching which focuses on training of all project beneficiaries in work readiness and soft skills. It also includes placement and linkages of CBET and TVET interns for attachment with participating organizations such as the Kenya association of manufacturers.

• Promoting work placement support for job seekers to improve transition from training to jobs;
• Work readiness trainings: CV writing, mock interviews, career ethics, digital skills, communication skills etc; 
• Employment promotion focused partnership with potential employers and industry associations;
• Visibility through networking events