Britam Equips Thika SMEs With Survival and Growth Strategies

More than 100 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) from Thika and its surrounding areas gathered on Wednesday, May 13, for the Britam Biashara Network forum, a nationwide engagement initiative aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with practical business insights amid mounting economic pressures.

The forum, organized by Britam Holdings Plc in Thika, brought together entrepreneurs, financial experts, and strategic partners to deliberate on opportunities and challenges affecting Kenya’s SME sector.

Event was held under the theme, “Unlocking SME Potential and Growth in Kenya: Profits Under Pressure.”

According to Britam, the forum sought to provide business owners with strategies to navigate a difficult economic environment while building sustainable enterprises capable of long-term growth.

Partners present during the engagement included the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and HFC Limited.

Focus on Resilience and Sustainable Growth

Speaking during the forum, Britam Chief Operating Officer Leonard Chirchir praised entrepreneurs in Thika for their resilience and contribution to Kenya’s economy.

“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,” said Chirchir.

“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,” he added.

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The networking session comes at a time when Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) continue to play a critical role in Kenya’s economy despite prevailing financial and operational challenges.

According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Kenya is home to more than 7.4 million MSMEs.

The sector employs over 14.9 million people and contributes between 30 and 34 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Industry Leaders Urge Businesses to Adapt

Chief Guest James Muriithi, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Savannah Mabati Ltd, challenged SMEs to remain innovative and adaptive despite economic uncertainty.

“Profits may be under pressure, but opportunity is not lost,” said Muriithi.

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“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,” he stated.

Muriithi further emphasized the importance of SMEs within the national economy.

“SMEs are not small players in the economy; they are the engine that powers Kenya’s growth story,” Muriithi added.

Britam noted that Thika’s strong agricultural and industrial ecosystem, proximity to Nairobi, and vibrant entrepreneurial culture make it an ideal environment for SME expansion and innovation.

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