By John Kariuki
The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) has taken center stage in advancing cross-border trade through a successful training workshop held in Moyale Sub-County. In partnership with TradeMark Africa, the Department of Trade Marsabit County, COMESA TIDOs, and other stakeholders, MSEA spearheaded an intensive capacity-building forum aimed at strengthening trade between Kenya and Ethiopia.
The workshop, conducted at the Moyale One Stop Border Post (OSBP), brought together small-scale traders, local authorities, and development partners to explore inclusive and efficient trade mechanisms. At the core of the training was the Simplified Trade Regime (STR), a COMESA initiative that facilitates duty-free trade for small traders by streamlining customs processes using a simplified customs document and a common list of eligible goods.
MSEA used the platform to educate participants on its mandate, including micro and small enterprise registration, support services, and its flagship Nyota Program which targets youth empowerment through entrepreneurship training and development. The Authority emphasized the importance of transitioning informal businesses into the formal economy, a key strategy in enhancing access to markets, finance, and regulatory protections.
A major highlight of the workshop was the focus on empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), who form a substantial segment of the informal trade sector. MSEA and its partners reinforced their commitment to creating an inclusive trade environment where all entrepreneurs, regardless of background, can thrive.
The sessions also addressed critical issues such as customs processes, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, security concerns, and legal awareness equipping traders with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of cross-border commerce.
By leading this initiative, MSEA reaffirmed its pivotal role in shaping the growth of micro and small enterprises across Kenya's borders. The event not only enhanced trader knowledge but also showcased the Authority's dedication to building a resilient and formalized trade ecosystem in the region.
Through such initiatives, MSEA continues to unlock opportunities, promote economic empowerment, and cement Kenya’s position as a hub for regional trade and development.
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