Kenya has showcased its progress in promoting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) during the Africa Start-Up Conference 2025 Ministerial Summit in Algeria, with Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for MSMEs, Susan Mang’eni, representing the country.
In her presentation, Mang’eni detailed the country’s efforts to position MSMEs as a central driver of economic growth, emphasizing both access to finance and skills development.
She highlighted the Hustler Fund, which has expanded credit inclusion for small businesses across the country, enabling more entrepreneurs to start and scale their enterprises.
Mang’eni discussed the impact of the NYOTA Project, a nationwide initiative that provides business training and start-up grants of Sh50,000 each to more than 100,000 MSME startups.
The program aims to equip entrepreneurs with practical skills, helping them establish sustainable businesses and contribute to local economic growth.
Highlighting Kenya’s progress in integrating technology into service delivery, the PS noted the ongoing roll-out of over 100,000 kilometers of Digital Superhighway, which is currently 35 percent complete, and the digitization of 22,000 government services.
These measures, she explained, are designed to improve access to public services, streamline business operations, and enhance the overall ease of doing business for MSMEs and entrepreneurs.
“Kenya is committed to supporting its entrepreneurs through both financial inclusion and digital innovation,” Mang’eni said during her presentation.
“Our programs are designed to ensure that MSMEs have the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive,” she added.
The Africa Start-Up Conference 2025 Ministerial Summit brought together policymakers, business leaders, and experts from across the continent to discuss strategies for fostering entrepreneurship, promoting innovation, and supporting start-up ecosystems.
Mang’eni’s participation underscores Kenya’s efforts to position MSMEs as a key pillar of national economic development.
Through initiatives such as the Hustler Fund and NYOTA Project, as well as the ongoing digitization of public services, Kenya continues to strengthen its support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, ensuring that they have access to both financial resources and essential government services.
by Naif Rashid
