The government has spelt out a raft of measures to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the wake of property destruction caused by Wednesday’s protests.
Speaking during a press briefing, the Principal Secretary, State Department for MSME Development Susan Mang’eni noted that property, livelihoods, and enterprise must be protected during civic actions.
“We need a new demonstration format that doesn’t put the backbone of our economy at risk.” Said the PS.
The measures outlined the establishment of a rapid response assessment team to document all affected MSMEs.
The government will also fast-track the processing for business registration and license renewals and also coordinate with insurance companies for expedited claims processing and sensitising the MSMEs on the need for insurance.
Similarly, the government will consider the establishment of a riot risk response mechanism to manage such situations and support recovery in future to take care of political and climate disaster-related emergencies.
Additionally, the government will be advocating for accelerated digital payment systems to reduce cash-based vulnerabilities. as well as ensure the establishment of e-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces for the business continuity of MSMEs.
While recognising that the MSME sector is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, with 77pc of its businesses being MSMEs, PS Mang’eli stated that it has the potential to attract a substantial number of job seekers, reduce poverty, and boost national productivity.
She decried the destruction and economic losses inflicted on MSMEs during protests estimating that the country loses Ksh.3 billion daily during such unrest with MSMEs bearing the blunt.
“The future of MSMEs may be at risk,” the PS remarked. “The events of June 25, 2025, remain a dark moment for the MSME sector. Demonstrations in 24 counties led to the destruction of property and business closures, destabilising livelihoods built over years of sacrifice. Families dependent on these businesses now face uncertainty. Years of hard work and investment were destroyed in hours. The psychological trauma extends beyond financial losses.”
She added that: “Statistics show the country loses an estimated Ksh. 3 billion daily during protests, most of which is borne by MSMEs, who have the least financial resilience.”
The PS acknowledged the constitutional right to protest but called for a rethink of demonstration models that protect both civil liberties and economic stability. “Economic rights are also human rights. We must find a balance that preserves livelihoods while allowing democratic expression,” she urged.
Mang’eni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to growing the MSME sector, a cornerstone of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). She called on development partners, county governments, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate in creating a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous MSME ecosystem.
The statement also highlighted ongoing government efforts such as the Credit Repair Program under the Hustler Fund, which has so far disbursed over Ksh. 71 billion to more than 25 million Kenyans. Some 400,000 Kenyans have now qualified for bridge loans of up to Ksh. 150,000, signaling improved access to financial support for small-scale entrepreneurs.
In a call to action, the PS invited all stakeholders to attend World MSME Day celebrations on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi.
“Let us come together and build back better. Kenya’s future depends on the survival and success of its small enterprises,” she concluded.
