PS Susan Mang’eni Urges Parliament to Prioritise the Start-Up Bill
By Shadrack Mutai || Kass Digital
The Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development, Susan Mang’eni, has urged Parliament to prioritise the Start-Up Bill when the House resumes sittings in February 2026, noting that the legislation currently at the mediation stage will be a game changer for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
PS Mang’eni said the Bill is expected to unlock sustainable funding pathways for start-ups, strengthen the enabling environment for innovation, and enhance the effectiveness of existing financing platforms in supporting emerging enterprises, particularly youth-led ventures.
She made the remarks while officiating at the opening of the Grand Nandi Youth Festival 2025, where she called on the National Assembly to fast-track the Bill, underscoring its critical role in promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
The PS further urged institutions of higher learning 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. She emphasised that the digital economy will be central to achieving this goal, 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 and 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.
