The Principal Secretary for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Susan Mangeni, has urged Parliament to prioritise the Start-Up Bill when the House resumes sittings in February 2026, noting that the Bill, currently at the mediation stage, will be a game changer for MSMEs.
The Start-Up Bill is expected to unlock sustainable funding pathways for start-ups, strengthen the enabling environment for innovation, and allow existing financing platforms to more effectively support emerging enterprises, particularly those led by youth.
Speaking during the official opening of the Grand Nandi Youth Festival 2025, PS Susan Mang’eni called on the National Assembly to fast-track the Bill, underscoring its importance in advancing entrepreneurship, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
She also urged the academia sector to play a more active role in activating the knowledge economy, in line with President William Ruto’s vision of transforming Kenya from a Third World to a First World economy.
PS Mangeni emphasized that the digital economy will be central to achieving this aspiration, especially in empowering young innovators and start-ups.
The event brought together key leaders and stakeholders, including Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary, State Department for ICT & the Digital Economy; Hon. Cynthia Muge, Member of Parliament, Nandi County; Kasmuel Mc’oure, Convener of the Broad-Based Youth Front; and Prof. Ruth Choge, Deputy Principal, Koitalel Samoei University College.
