Kenya’s small and medium enterprises will be under the spotlight next week as bankers, regulators and policymakers meet to chart a path for better financing models.

The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) will bring together local and international experts in Nairobi on September 18 and 19 for its 14th Annual Banking Research Conference.

The two-day forum comes at a time when many small businesses are grappling with high interest rates, limited access to credit and pressure to adopt sustainable business practices.

Central Bank of Kenya Governor Kamau Thugge will deliver the keynote address, setting the tone for deliberations on how the financial sector can unlock growth in the MSME space.

“Banking and Economic Growth Dynamics: Navigating Risks and Leveraging Opportunities in MSMEs Financing” is the chosen theme, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities in the sector.

A high-level panel will include Principal Secretary in the State Department for MSMEs Hon. Susan Mang’eni, Equity Bank Kenya Chief Executive Moses Nyabanda, Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee member Jared Osoro, FSD Kenya Chief Executive Tamara Cook and JuaKali Federation’s Felix Ndunda.

Over the two days, researchers and practitioners will present 11 peer-reviewed papers covering three broad areas: the role of macroeconomic stability in enabling finance for small enterprises, how to manage risks and opportunities such as digital lending and credit guarantees, and how banks can integrate sustainability and ESG principles into lending decisions.

The government has been expanding the Credit Guarantee Scheme to help reduce collateral barriers for small businesses, while the Central Bank has been rolling out risk-based credit pricing to increase transparency in loan costs. Both policies are expected to shape the tone of the conference.

Small businesses remain central to Kenya’s economy, employing about 15 million people and contributing a significant share of the country’s GDP.

Yet, despite progress in financial inclusion, many still find it difficult to access affordable and reliable credit. Organisers say the conference is an opportunity to bridge this gap through research and dialogue.