Current Programs

Introducing Kifaru Exim SEZ at Tatu City SEZ, a private Grade A industrial park whose mission is to integrate SMEs into Special Economic Zones (SEZs). In partnership with the SME Support Centre, Kifaru Exim SEZ is sourcing, selecting, and recruiting SMEs that meet SEZA requirements and are ready to scale.

Located within Tatu City SEZ, this initiative offers strategic incentives and world-class facilities to help SMEs grow, compete, and expand into regional and global markets.

• 🎥 Watch our high-level launch event here
• 📑 Explore SEZ strategic incentives here
• ✍🏽 Submit your expression of interest here
• For enquiries, call ‪+254 742457446‬.

Applications are on a first come basis.

There cannot be industrialization in Africa without incentives. Join us in the future of SME manufacturing!

In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT), the SME Support Centre is implementing the Legacy Connect initiative to address the untapped potential of professional retirees. Research shows that many retirees who previously held professional careers often face pressure to transition into farming or business ownership, leading to frustration and underutilization of their expertise.

Legacy Connect seeks to create meaningful opportunities by connecting professional retirees with youth enterprises, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Our goal is to compensate and connect professional retirees with youth enterprises who can benefit from their experience..

The program is designed to bridge intergenerational knowledge gaps, enhance business sustainability, and strengthen youth-led enterprises by leveraging the skills and experience of seasoned professionals. By aligning expertise with innovation, Legacy Connect fosters inclusive economic growth and supports the next generation of business leaders.

Applications are currently open for both professional retirees and youth enterprises interested in participating. The deadline for applications is 29 August 2025.

• If you are a professional retiree, apply via: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/TLCIKA
• If you are a youth enterprise preferably in manufacturing and are interested in being matched with an experienced retiree mentor, apply via: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/DRCI1S

In partnership with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), SME Support Centre is delivering tailored business development services (BDS) to refugee-led micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Nairobi through the Displaced and Refugee Youth Enabling Environment Mechanism (DREEM) Innovation Fund.

This initiative is part of WUSC’s broader effort to strengthen economic opportunities for refugee and displaced youth, with a strong focus on inclusion and empowerment of young women. The program provides targeted mentorship, capacity building, and market linkages to help refugee entrepreneurs grow their businesses, create employment, and improve household livelihoods.

Our role includes identifying and mapping refugee-owned businesses, conducting needs assessments, and providing hands-on support throughout the entire grant lifecycle, from application to grant closure. In collaboration with WUSC’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) team, we are also supporting data collection and contributing to tracking the project outcomes.

Through this initiative, we are working directly with selected urban refugee-led MSEs in Nairobi to strengthen their business capabilities, enhance their potential for sustainable growth, and increase their ability to generate employment within their communities.