Leveraging policies governing cooperatives to encourage the formalization of micro-, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya

The purpose of this research paper is to support the Government of Kenya in promoting MSME formalization during the post-COVID-19 economic resurgence.

 

It aims to present to policymakers with empirical evidence on how government authorities could leverage existing policy practices on cooperative formalization to promote the formalization and growth of MSMEs. In addition to sharing international and regional good practices in this regard, the paper also analyzed gender-based stereotypes and biases relating to formalization, particularly the growth of women-owned and women-operated MSMEs. The paper also examines how formalization would contribute to MSME resilience to external risks for building back better.