Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) contribute approximately 30-40% of the Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector, which includes 7.4 million enterprises, acts as the backbone of the economy and is the primary driver of job creation, employing over 15 million of the total 18 million (80%) of Kenya’s workforce. Inspite of the great opportunities this sector presents, it is also faced with significant challenges. Over 75% of MSMEs created fail by year 2 with other challenges including lack of capital, markets and skills.
I Choose Life-Africa, under the 1 million youth empowerment program has initiated a Business Development program that runs up to 2028. The program targets youth led Businees and with over 13 universities to provide academic led research solutions to the enterprises while at the same time the students are able to solve real world solution that also contribute to their academic qualifications.
Summit Tracks:
| Time | Activity | Facilitator |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Welcome Remarks | Prof. Eng. Ayub Gitau, Vice Chancellor, University of Nairobi. |
| 9:40 AM to 10:30 AM |
The Money Exists. The Problem Is the Meeting.
Transforming Education Through Technology: Reimagining Teacher Competency Based Curriculum (CBE), From Classroom to Economy: From Innovation to Enterprise: Unlocking Capital and Markets for Africa’s
|
Eng. Mike Mutungi, Chief Executive Officer, I Choose Life – Africa. |
| 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
Launches:
Juapath – Prof. Njenga Munene, Vice Chancellor – Zetech University Africa SME Summit 2027 |
|
| 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
Breakout Session Finance, Capital & Investment Susan Ndungu, Head of MSME Banking, NCBA Prof. Kellen Kiambati, Karatina University Dr. Eric Wamuya, Machakos Universities, Wanjau Nduba, Board Chairman, Children’s Mission Africa Nils Lindh, Founder, Naventure Nordic Barbara Lutomia, The Swarm Initiative Patrick Maina, Intellect Illumini Advisory, MSEA Climate Action and Sustainability Jenney Jakobsson, Co-founder, Sustainable World Corporation, Roam Electric, Peter Lemaron, CEO, Lemaxon Energy Solutions, Cooperative Bank of Kenya, Vincent Sila, CEO, Datalock, Canopy Insurance Company, ICEA Lion Insurance Company, NTSA,Industry and Academia collaboration Dr. Henry Yatich, Principle Graduate studies and Research, MKU, Dr. Faith Yator, Kabarak University, Jenny Jakobsson, Co-Founder, Sustainable World Corporation |
MC |
| 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
Breakout Session Adopting AI and Technology for business growth and efficiency Victor Sila, Juapath Founder & Walmart Esther Mwangi, Zetech University, Dr. Njeri Ngaruya, Strathmore University, Newton, South SudanMarket Access and Cross border trade Dr. Hilda Muteshi, Expert Design inclusive Business Model Consultant Dr. Susan Chege, Daystar University Dr. Faith Yator, Kabarak University, Nabitnu, Executive Director, Future Hope Africa Inc. Kenya Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Strengthening Mercy Kimalat, CEO-Assek, Dr. Anastasia Mutethya Nyalita CECM, MSMES-Nairobi City County, Phillip Kabii, Regional Coordinator, Children Mission Africa, Prof. Stephen Muathe, Kenyatta University Dr. Ruth Ruhiu, Technical University of Kenya, Henry Rithea, MSEA, Anne Lawi |
MC |
