Over 100 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Thika gathered for the Britam Biashara Network Britam Biashara Network forum, a countrywide engagement aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with practical insights to navigate economic pressures, unlock growth opportunities, and build sustainable businesses.
Themed “Unlocking SME Potential and Growth in Kenya: Profits Under Pressure,” the forum brought together entrepreneurs and businesses from different sectors, financial experts, and partners, including Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), and HFC Limited, to deliberate on the evolving business environment and the role of collaboration in strengthening Kenya’s SME ecosystem.
Speaking during the forum, Britam Chief Operating Officer Leonard Chirchir said: “Thika is built on the resilience, determination, and innovation of hardworking entrepreneurs who wake up every day to create jobs, grow industries, and keep our economy moving. At Britam, we are proud to walk this journey with SMEs by providing solutions that not only protect their businesses today, but also secure a better tomorrow for generations to come.
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The networking session came at an opportune moment as Kenya is home to more than 7.4 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). The sector employs over 14.9 million people, contributes between 30 and 34 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and accounts for more than 90 per cent of all private enterprises, making MSMEs the backbone of the Kenyan economy.
Chief Guest, James Muriithi, CEO of Savannah Mabati Ltd, noted that: “Profits may be under pressure, but opportunity is not lost. The businesses that will define Kenya’s future are those willing to adapt, invest in relationships, embrace technology, and remain consistent even in difficult seasons. SMEs are not small players in the economy; they are the engine that powers Kenya’s growth story.”
The networking session was strategically held in Thika, a town renowned for its strong agricultural and industrial ecosystem, proximity and access to Kenya’s capital, strategic location within the Central Kenya economic corridor, and a vibrant entrepreneurial culture that continues to drive SME growth and innovation.
The Thika Britam Biashara Network forum is a part of Britam’s continued broader nationwide initiative to support entrepreneurs through knowledge-sharing and strategic partnerships.
