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Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT)

The Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) is a leading development organization in Kenya. It was established in 2002 through a partnership between the Government of Kenya and the European Union. DANIDA later joined as a key partner. MESPT supports Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Its goal is to help entrepreneurs grow sustainable businesses, increase incomes, and strengthen local economies.

MESPT works through three main pillars: Green Growth and Climate Resilience, Value Chain Development (VCD), and Financial Inclusion and Wholesale Lending. Through Green Growth, MESPT promotes resource-efficient technologies such as solar irrigation, biogas, and waste-to-energy solutions. These initiatives help farmers conserve resources while improving profitability.

In Value Chain Development, MESPT supports sectors like dairy, aquaculture, horticulture, and apiculture. The organization trains farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and post-harvest management. It also helps upgrade market infrastructure to connect farmers with reliable buyers.

Financial inclusion is another key focus. MESPT provides wholesale financing to SACCOs and microfinance institutions. These intermediaries lend to smallholder farmers and agri-entrepreneurs. In addition, MESPT offers technical advice alongside credit. This “credit-plus” approach ensures that funding comes with the skills to succeed.

MESPT has already integrated over 40,000 farmers into formal markets through the Green Employment in Agriculture Programme (GEAP). Moreover, youth and women benefit from the Financial Inclusion for Youth and MSMEs in Agriculture (FIYMA) program, run with the Mastercard Foundation. Partnerships with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) create further opportunities for agro-processing and market access.

By combining training, finance, and market support, the Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) empowers MSMEs, promotes climate-smart practices, and strengthens Kenya’s local economies.