Richard Muteti: Championing Kenya’s MSME Agenda

Richard Muteti, OGW, HSC, is a renowned national, regional and continental champion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). As the  Chief Executive Officer of the Confederation of Micro and Small Enterprises Organizations of East Africa**, Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the **All-Africa Association for Small and Medium Enterprises**, and a long-serving advocate for small-business development, Muteti continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the interests of entrepreneurs across Africa.

Muteti recently had the honour of presenting the SME Handbook to Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, in a significant engagement highlighting the importance of strengthening Kenya’s MSME ecosystem.

MSMEs, the majority of which operate in the informal sector, remain the backbone of Kenya’s economy. They contribute approximately **35 per cent of the country’s GDP** and account for **more than 86 per cent of all jobs**, underscoring their critical role in employment creation, household incomes, innovation and inclusive economic growth.

Muteti’s continued advocacy for MSMEs reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that small businesses receive the recognition, policy support, financing, market access and institutional backing they need to thrive.

His engagement with policymakers and continental stakeholders demonstrates visionary leadership in positioning MSMEs at the centre of Africa’s economic transformation agenda. Through initiatives such as the SME Handbook and sustained advocacy, Muteti continues to amplify the voice of entrepreneurs and champion an enabling environment where small enterprises can grow, create jobs and contribute even more significantly to national and regional prosperity.