865 Entrepreneurs Graduate in Eldoret as Partnerships Power MSME Growth

At least 865 entrepreneurs have graduated in Eldoret under a flagship enterprise development program aimed at strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

The graduation ceremony, held on March 25, 2026, at Eka Hotel Eldoret, marked the completion of Cohort 4 of a business acceleration initiative spearheaded by Inkomoko Kenya. The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including business leaders, policymakers, development partners, and entrepreneurs, underscoring the growing importance of collaboration in nurturing Kenya’s small business sector.

Delivering the keynote address, Willy Kenei, Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), emphasized the critical role of partnerships in driving inclusive economic growth. He noted that MSMEs remain the backbone of Kenya’s economy and require sustained support to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business environment.

“This graduation is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when institutions work together to empower entrepreneurs. By investing in MSMEs, we are investing in jobs, innovation, and the future of our economy,” Kenei said.

Organizers described the event as more than a celebration of academic achievement, terming it a reflection of the transformative impact that structured training and strategic partnerships can have on small businesses. Through collaboration between Inkomoko, KNCCI, and other ecosystem partners, the program has equipped entrepreneurs with practical skills and tools necessary to scale their enterprises.

The graduates underwent intensive training covering key areas such as financial management, record-keeping, marketing strategies, and business planning. In addition, participants benefited from personalized mentorship, enabling them to refine their business models and navigate challenges unique to their sectors.

Access to markets was also a central component of the program, with entrepreneurs being linked to new customers, suppliers, and networks to expand their reach. Further support towards formalization has helped many participants transition from informal operations to fully registered businesses, positioning them for long-term sustainability and access to financing opportunities.

Speaking during the event, several graduates shared testimonies of growth, citing increased revenues, improved operational efficiency, and expanded customer bases as some of the direct benefits of the program.

Stakeholders at the ceremony reiterated the need to scale such initiatives across the country, noting that MSMEs account for a significant share of employment in Kenya. They called for continued investment in capacity-building programs, access to affordable credit, and policies that create an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.

Inkomoko Kenya also used the platform to announce its participation in the upcoming Eldoret International Business Summit 2026. The summit is expected to convene entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from across the region, offering a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and exploration of new business opportunities.

The graduation comes at a time when Kenya is increasingly focusing on entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic resilience and job creation. With rising interest in innovation and enterprise development, programs such as this are seen as vital in unlocking the full potential of MSMEs.

As the 865 entrepreneurs join the growing pool of trained business owners, attention now turns to how they will apply the knowledge and networks gained to expand their ventures and contribute to local and national economic growth.

The event ultimately highlighted a shared vision among partners—to build resilient enterprises, strengthen communities, and unlock the vast potential of small businesses across Kenya.