H.E. Governor Rev. Mutuma MEthingia Champions Youth Entrepreneurship And Regional Trade At 2026 EAC MSMEs Trade Fair In Kigali.
At the 2026 EAC MSMEs Trade Fair in Kigali, held under the theme "Advancing Regional Value Chains in the Leather and Horticulture Sectors," H.E. Governor Rev. Mutuma M’Ethingia underscored Meru County’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and the immense economic potential of the region.
The Governor was delighted to interact with innovators and SMEs from Meru County, appreciating their creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Meru is an agricultural powerhouse with immense opportunities across key value chains, including avocado, tea, coffee, miraa, dairy, macadamia and other agricultural products. The County Government is prioritising the transformation of these resources through value addition, agro-processing, technology and expanded access to regional and international markets.
H.E. Governor Rev. Mutuma M’Ethingia highlighted the opportunities available through the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP), which is being opened to provide young entrepreneurs, cooperatives and investors with a platform to incubate ideas, undertake value addition and establish sustainable enterprises.
The Governor was particularly proud to meet Mr. Mwenda, a Meru entrepreneur and beneficiary of the national NYOTA Programme, who emerged as the Youngest Entrepreneur of the Year. His achievement is a testament to the remarkable potential of young people when opportunity, innovation and determination come together.
The County Government continues to strengthen youth enterprises through business incentives, applicable county fee waivers for eligible applicants and plans to introduce a Youth Business Insurance Cover to protect and enhance the sustainability of youth-owned businesses.
As Chairperson of the Council of Governors’ Committee on Youth, Gender and Culture, H.E. Governor Rev. Mutuma M’Ethingia reaffirmed his commitment to championing policies and partnerships that expand economic opportunities for young people, women and persons living with disabilities across the counties.
The Governor emphasised that young people are not merely leaders of tomorrow, but entrepreneurs, innovators and economic drivers of today.
Building Meru. Building Kenya. Advancing East Africa.
