IMPACT OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAMS ON MSME DEVELOPMENT IN KENYA: A COMPARATIVE BEST PRACTICE FROM EMERGING MARKETS

Victor Otieno Agolla - Managing Director, Viffa Consult Limited, One Padmore Place, Kilimani Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT

MSMEs play a key role in driving economic growth and fostering innovation within communities. They serve as the backbone of many economies, creating jobs and providing essential goods and services. Affirmative action initiatives aimed at the development of MSMEs can bridge the gap for marginalized entrepreneurs, offering access to funding, training, and resources that were previously out of reach. By promoting inclusivity, these initiatives empower diverse voices and ideas, driving sustainable development. Furthermore, supporting MSMEs not only boosts local economies but also encourages a culture of resilience and adaptability in the face of changing market dynamics. Their growth is vital for inclusive prosperity. This paper is a review of affirmative action in various countries with the intention of developing MSMEs. The review provides a clear foundation of the best practices that can be adopted in the implementation of affirmative action initiatives in Kenya, in order to fulfill the ambition of a vibrant SME sector in the country.

Full Length Research (PDF Format)