PS Mang’eni Urges Parliament to Fast-Track Start-Up Bill to Boost MSMEs and Youth Innovation
PS Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development, addresses youth and stakeholders during the official opening of the Grand Nandi Youth Festival 2025 at Koitalel Samoei University College, Nandi County
Principal Secretary for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, Susan Mang’eni, has called on Parliament to prioritise the Start-Up Bill when lawmakers resume sittings in February 2026, saying the proposed law will be a critical catalyst for entrepreneurship, job creation and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking on Thursday during the official opening of the Grand Nandi Youth Festival 2025 at Koitalel Samoei University College in Nandi County, PS Mang’eni said the Bill, which is currently at the mediation stage, has the potential to transform Kenya’s start-up ecosystem by unlocking sustainable funding pathways and strengthening the overall enabling environment for innovation.
“The Start-Up Bill is a game changer for MSMEs and emerging enterprises, particularly those led by young people,” Mang’eni said. “Once enacted, it will streamline support mechanisms, improve access to financing and ensure that existing funding platforms are more responsive to the needs of start-ups across the country.”
She urged members of the National Assembly to fast-track the legislation, noting that delays in its passage could slow momentum in a sector that is already demonstrating strong potential to drive economic growth. According to the PS, MSMEs remain the backbone of Kenya’s economy, accounting for a significant share of employment and income generation, especially among the youth.
The Start-Up Bill seeks to establish a clear legal and institutional framework to support start-ups through policy coordination, incentives and targeted financing. It is also expected to enhance collaboration between government, the private sector and development partners in nurturing innovative enterprises.
Mang’eni told the gathering that young entrepreneurs often face systemic barriers, including limited access to capital, weak mentorship structures and fragmented support systems. She said the Bill would help address these challenges by creating a more predictable and supportive ecosystem for innovation-driven businesses.
In her address, the PS also challenged institutions of higher learning to play 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.
“Universities and colleges must go beyond teaching and research to become hubs of innovation, enterprise development and technology transfer,” Mang’eni said. “Academia has a critical role to play in equipping young people with practical skills, supporting start-ups and commercialising research outputs.”
She emphasised that the digital economy will be central to Kenya’s development agenda, particularly in empowering youth-led enterprises and accelerating the growth of start-ups. According to Mang’eni, digital platforms offer opportunities to expand market access, improve productivity and attract investment, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
The Grand Nandi Youth Festival 2025 brought together leaders from government, academia and youth organisations to discuss pathways for youth empowerment, innovation and economic inclusion. The event also showcased youth-led initiatives in technology, creative industries and agribusiness.
Among the dignitaries present was Principal Secretary for the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, who echoed the importance of leveraging technology to spur economic growth. He said the government remains committed to expanding digital infrastructure and supporting policies that enable innovation and entrepreneurship.
Nandi County Member of Parliament, Hon. Cynthia Muge, called for closer collaboration between national government institutions and county governments to ensure that policy reforms translate into tangible benefits for young people at the grassroots.
“Youth empowerment must be practical and inclusive,” Muge said. “We need to ensure that national policies, such as the Start-Up Bill, are implemented in a way that reaches young entrepreneurs in counties and rural areas.”
Kasmuel Mc’oure, Convener of the Broad-Based Youth Front, welcomed the government’s focus on start-ups and youth innovation, saying young people are eager to contribute to national development if given the right support. He urged policymakers to involve youth more actively in the design and implementation of programmes targeting them.
Also in attendance was Prof. Ruth Choge, Deputy Principal of Koitalel Samoei University College, who highlighted the role of universities in nurturing talent and supporting enterprise development. She said the institution is strengthening partnerships with government and industry to provide students with opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Grand Nandi Youth Festival 2025 provided a platform for dialogue on youth leadership, economic empowerment and policy reforms, with participants calling for sustained investment in education, innovation and enterprise support.
As Parliament prepares to resume sittings in early 2026, stakeholders are now looking to lawmakers to prioritise the Start-Up Bill, with proponents arguing that its passage will mark a significant step towards building a resilient, inclusive and innovation-driven economy.
