Rethinking the Policy Advocacy Role of MSE Associations in Kenya

Kenya has in recent years witnessed a rapid growth in the formation of MSE associations. Despite this, the MSE sector remains uncoordinated and the capacity of MSE Associations to lobby for the implementation of MSE policies remains weak. This paper is based on surveys covering 202 associations in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru. The study is guided by the question: Are MSE associations well organized to effectively play their policy advocacy role? If not, what are their main capacity limitations as far as policy advocacy is concerned? Results suggest that whereas MSE associations are expected to play a pivotal role in organizing MSEs and enhancing their participation in policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, the institutional capacities of MSE fall below the levels required to meet challenges posed by these expectations. Perhaps the most critical constraint is inadequate human resource capacity. Other limitations include thin budgets, lack of office space and equipment, including telecommunications equipment. Most associations experience problems related to recruiting members and retaining them. Due to poor recognition and poor visibility, most of them are not involved in policy-making forums. Their officials have poor understanding of MSE policy and conflicts between primary associations and umbrella association are evident. Thus, empirical evidence supports the view that the capacity of MSE associations in Kenya to lobby for the implementation of MSE polices remains weak. Keywords: Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), umbrella associations, primary associations, policy advocac