Mang’eni urges Kenyan MSMEs to embrace technology, formalise for global growth
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to digital growth, the PS highlighted the Digital Superhighway project, which aims to lay 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to connect every ward in the country with internet access.
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, Susan Mang’eni, has urged Kenyan MSMEs to embrace technology as a pathway to global competitiveness while ensuring their products remain relevant to local consumer needs. She also called on entrepreneurs to formalise their operations to access funding, protect intellectual property, and unlock new market opportunities.
Mang’eni made the remarks during the inaugural Women in STEM Africa Summit held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
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The event, organised by Women in Technology and Innovation Africa (WITIA), brought together women entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders to explore how science and technology can drive inclusive economic growth.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to digital transformation, the PS highlighted key initiatives such as the Digital Superhighway project, which aims to roll out 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure to deliver last-mile connectivity and ensure universal access to digital services across all wards in the country.
Mang’eni also pointed to legislative reforms aimed at strengthening Kenya’s innovation ecosystem, specifically the Start-Up Bill currently before the Senate.
She noted that the proposed law seeks to establish a multisectoral agency that will serve as a one-stop shop to support MSMEs from ideation through to market entry.
She reminded business owners that all government procurement will now be conducted through the e-government procurement portal, urging them to register in order to access tender opportunities.
“This platform will democratise access to government tenders, ensuring transparency and opening new opportunities for MSMEs. I urge all interested Kenyans to register their enterprises on the portal,” she said.
Renowned tech entrepreneur James Ayugi also spoke at the event, encouraging MSME founders to think globally from the start and build scalable business models. He highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in navigating regulatory landscapes and expanding into new markets.
“Building a business capable of scaling internationally requires forging partnerships that help navigate national policies, regulatory environments, and market dynamics,” he noted.
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