PS Susan Mang’eni Pushes for Fast-Tracking Start-Up Bill to Boost MSMEs

Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, Susan Mang’eni, has called on Parliament to prioritise the passage of the Start-Up Bill when it resumes sittings in February 2026, saying the legislation will be critical in strengthening Kenya’s MSME sector.

Speaking at the Grand Nandi Youth Festival 2025, PS Mang’eni described the Bill—currently at the mediation stage—as a potential game changer for micro, small and medium enterprises, which she said form the backbone of Kenya’s economy.

She noted that MSMEs play a central role in job creation, innovation and inclusive economic growth, particularly for young people and women, and stressed that supportive policy frameworks are necessary to unlock their full potential.

According to the Principal Secretary, the proposed law will open up sustainable funding pathways for startups and small businesses, strengthen the national innovation ecosystem, and enhance the effectiveness of existing financing platforms.

“The Start-Up Bill will provide a structured and predictable framework that supports innovation-driven enterprises and enhances access to financing,” Mang’eni said.

She also challenged academic institutions to take a more active role in driving the knowledge economy, in line with President William Ruto’s vision of transforming Kenya from a Third World to a First World economy. Mang’eni emphasised that the digital economy will be a key pillar in achieving this transformation.

The Principal Secretary attended the official opening of the festival alongside Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary for the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy; Nandi County Member of Parliament Hon. Cynthia Muge; Broad-Based Youth Front Convener Kasmuel Mc’oure; and Prof. Ruth Choge, Deputy Principal of Koitalel Samoei University College.

The Grand Nandi Youth Festival 2025 brought together young innovators, policymakers and industry stakeholders, providing a platform to highlight entrepreneurship, digital skills development and inclusive economic growth.