02/10/2026
Uwezo Fund participated in the 2nd Edition of the Jua Kali Artisan Day 2026 at Raila Odinga Stadium, Homa Bay County, bringing together artisans, entrepreneurs, Government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to promote enterprise development, skills advancement and economic empowerment.
The event was graced by the Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSMEs Development, Hon. FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, EGH, and hosted by Homa Bay County Woman Representative, Hon. Dr. Joyce Atieno Bensuda, who also the County Patron of Uwezo Fund.
The Jua Kali Artisan Day recognises the creativity, skills and contribution of Kenya’s informal and small-scale enterprises while connecting entrepreneurs to Government services, financing, skills development, markets, technology and other enterprise-support programmes.
Speaking during the event, CS Oparanya reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting small-scale traders and MSMEs, noting their important role in creating livelihoods, employment and local economic opportunities. “Today I am here to support the local mwananchi and small-scale traders. Small-scale traders are a section that the Government has put emphasis on. I am very pleased with what I have seen here today.”
He emphasised the need for affordable financing, technical training, access to markets, modern equipment and coordinated Government support to enable artisans and small businesses to establish, grow and sustain their enterprises.
The CS also highlighted the importance of major investments in driving economic development, citing the Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery in Lamu, valued at about Ksh2 trillion, and its potential to create jobs, develop local skills and stimulate economic activity along the LAPSSET Corridor.
Woman Representative Highlights Community Empowerment
As host of the event, Hon. Dr. Joyce Atieno Bensuda emphasised the importance of investing in women, youth, education and community development to strengthen livelihoods at the grassroots.
“Our focus is to empower our women and youth, support education and strengthen our communities so that our people can create sustainable livelihoods and improve their lives.”
She encouraged beneficiaries to use Government support responsibly, strengthen their enterprises and work together to build sustainable sources of income.
She also highlighted various empowerment initiatives in the county, including youth driving training, distribution of sanitary towels to schools, construction of markets and boda boda sheds, tree-planting initiatives and provision of water tanks to schools to support water harvesting.
A key highlight was the presentation of a Ksh45.5 million to beneficiary groups representing Uwezo Fund support to eligible beneficiary groups in Homa Bay County. The financing will enable groups of women, youth and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to establish, strengthen and expand their enterprises.
The event also featured machinery and equipment support by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) to 24 MSE groups in Homa Bay County.
The groups recieved car-wash and welding machines, a lathe machine, mechanical tool kits, sewing and kinyozi equipment, posho mills, ice-popsicle machines and woodworking equipment.
The equipment is expected to enhance productivity, support skills-based enterprises and strengthen the capacity of MSEs to create employment and generate sustainable incomes.
Other enterprise-support items showcased during the event included milling machines, mechanic tools, ice-cream-making and car-washing equipment, motorcycles, coolers and jikos, as well as safety equipment such as reflectors and helmets. Women’s groups also received mattresses, water tanks, plastic chairs, sewing machines, umbrellas and waste bins.
The event brought together institutions and partners including the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF), Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), Uwezo Fund, MSEA, Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), KJET, National Social Security Fund (NSSF), National Employment Authority (NEA), National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Kenya Forest Service, Mawego Polytechnic and other stakeholders.
The participation of Government institutions and partners enabled artisans and entrepreneurs to access information on financing, training, markets, employment and other MSME support services, while reinforcing Uwezo Fund’s commitment to empowering women, youth and PWD groups through financing, capacity building and enterprise development.
Uwezo Fund calls on eligible groups to seize available opportunities, strengthen their enterprises and turn their skills and ideas into sustainable livelihoods and jobs. Through continued collaboration with Government and partners, the Fund remains committed to expanding inclusive economic opportunities across communities.
Lengapiani Peter
Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development-Kenya
Micro and Small Enterprises Authority - MSEA
Government of Kenya Spokesperson
State Department for MSMEs Development
