This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic landscape of Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) and Business Membership Organizations (BMOs) and Business Development Services Providers (BDS) in the counties of Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, and Kisumu. It is a call to action for policymakers, investors, and development partners to collaborate in building a more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kenya.
Assessment of accessibility and effectiveness of physical and virtual networking platforms for SEED beneficiairies in Kisumu, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu counties
We are thrilled to announce the new edition of the Kenya ESO and BMO Mapping Study 2026, a comprehensive analysis of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kisumu, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu counties.
Conducted under the IYBA-SEED Kenya, this 2026 version aims to identify, profile, and assess the capacity of Business Membership Organizations (BMOs), Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs), and Business Development Services (BDS) providers in the region.
Why This Study Matters ?
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing 40% to GDP and employing over 80% of the workforce. However, these enterprises - especially those led by women and youth - face persistent challenges, including limited access to finance, weak market linkages, and uneven access to business development services. This study seeks to bridge these gaps by providing actionable insights for policymakers, donors, and ecosystem actors.
Key Objectives of the Study
1. Map the capacity of BMOs, ESOs and BDS providers identifying strengths and areas needing support.
2. Assess the types of services provided, stages of business development supported, and sectoral focus areas.
3. Evaluate the accessibility and effectiveness of physical and virtual networking platforms for SEED beneficiaries.
4. Understand gender-specific challenges and opportunities, particularly affecting women and youth entrepreneurs.
This study is a call to action for policymakers, investors, and development partners to collaborate in building a more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kenya.
By addressing the identified gaps, we can unlock the full potential of youth and women-led MSMEs, driving economic growth and job creation across the region.
WEBINAR #6 Peer exchange on Investment Readiness for Early-Stage Businesses
The peer exchange explored what makes early-stage businesses genuinely ready to access finance, drawing on the perspectives of a commercial bank, an investor, and participating ESOs.
Assessment on the appropriateness of available financial services in the Kenyan market for SEED beneficiaries
Discover our latest study, carried out by the IYBA SEED team in Kenya in partnership with Intellecap, a comprehensive assessment of the Kenyan financial services landscape, spotlighting the gaps that keep early-stage businesses, youth, and women entrepreneurs from accessing the capital they need to grow.
KENYA- Policies brief - Kisumu County launches Landmark Trade, Cooperative and Local Enterprise Policies
The Kisumu policies, now consolidated into a document, provide a roadmap to ecosystem actors and entrepreneurs for supporting local producers, enhancing market access, promoting local procurement, and building stronger, more resilient enterprises across Kisumu County.
AI Integration Toolkit for Women Entrepreneurs
This toolkit is designed as a practical companion for women entrepreneurs who want to understand, explore, and apply AI and automation in their business operations. It provides step-by-step guidance to help you translate ideas into measurable impact
