NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8 – In a fast-evolving digital economy, access to the right tools, networks, and knowledge can be the difference between stagnation and sustainable growth — especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Across Kenya, millions of MSMEs form the backbone of the economy, driving innovation, creating employment, and sustaining livelihoods. Yet, many of these businesses face persistent challenges: limited access to finance, gaps in digital literacy, unreliable connectivity, data security risks, and a lack of formal registration. These hurdles often hinder growth and scalability, preventing promising enterprises from reaching their full potential.
To address these challenges, Safaricom Business has made it its mission to empower entrepreneurs through digital solutions, expert insights, and business development tools. The goal is not just to help businesses survive but to ensure they thrive in a digital-first economy.
This year, Safaricom Business strengthened that commitment through the Grow with Safaricom Business Forums, held as part of the M-PESA Sokoni celebrations. The forums offered a platform for entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and innovators to learn, connect, and explore practical solutions tailored to their needs. Topics included cashless payments, digital marketing, e-commerce enablement, and enterprise connectivity — opening up growth opportunities at every stage of business.
“We understand the barriers many MSMEs face — limited capital, digital gaps, and access to markets,” said Franklin Okata, Acting Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Safaricom. “Through the Grow with Safaricom Business initiative, we’re offering not just technology, but real solutions that transform businesses and livelihoods across the country.”
The forums reached and empowered over 600 MSMEs across five regions: the Coast, Rift Valley, Mt. Kenya, Greater Western, and Nairobi. Behind these numbers are real stories of transformation — proof that innovation, when made accessible, can change lives.
One such story is that of Felista Mweki, founder of Imanti Consulting, who participated in the Rift Valley edition. When she launched her company in 2020, she noticed that many women-led businesses lacked formal registration and growth tools. Determined to close this gap, Felista built a community that empowers women entrepreneurs with training in business management, financial literacy, and digital skills, while fostering mentorship and resource sharing.
Through her network, women have pooled resources, fulfilled larger orders, and expanded into online markets. Today, Felista leverages Safaricom’s digital and connectivity solutions to train her members, manage operations, and connect women-led enterprises to broader markets.
“Access to the right tools and partners like Safaricom has changed how we operate,” said Felista. “Women in our network are now growing their businesses beyond local markets, building confidence, and driving meaningful change in their communities.”
From the Greater Western edition, Michael Otieno, founder of Takawiri Craft Enterprises, has turned the challenge of invasive water hyacinth into an opportunity by producing eco-friendly paper products. Michael credits the Grow with Safaricom Business Forum for equipping him with practical lessons on scaling sustainably and adopting digital tools.
“The knowledge I gained has been instrumental in steadily growing and turning a challenge in my business into a real opportunity,” he said.
At the Nairobi forum, Teresia Njora of Baraka Women’s Centre shared how the sessions and networking helped her strengthen her business model, expand her reach, and impact more women.
“Thanks to the insights and networking, I have been able to expand our reach and empower more women in my community, which is at the heart of what we do,” Teresia said.
In the Mt. Kenya region, Mark Njoroge is another entrepreneur whose business has accelerated through the forum.
“It’s not just about having a great product; it’s about having access to the right solutions and networks. The forum showed me how to leverage technology to achieve my goals,” Mark said.
The forums are anchored on Safaricom Business’s four strategic pillars — Connect, Protect, Enable, and Transform — which guide its mission to build a digitally enabled economy that leaves no business behind.
These pillars ensure that businesses not only access digital solutions such as M-PESA for Business, cloud services, and cybersecurity tools, but also gain the knowledge and partnerships to use them effectively.
As Safaricom Business marks 16 years of powering enterprise growth, it continues to draw inspiration from the entrepreneurs shaping Kenya’s economic future.
“The Grow with Safaricom Business Forums are a testament to our shared vision with entrepreneurs,” added Okata. “Together, we are not just preparing businesses for the future — we are building it, one solution at a time.”
