Hon. Susan Mang’eni, PS state department for MSMEs dev't

17/09/2025

This morning, I paid a courtesy call at the County Commissioner’s Office in Busia, where I was warmly received by Mr. Solomon Komen, Deputy County Commissioner, Busia Sub-County.

Mr Komen hailed the project as a solution to the youth in need of job and enterprise opportunities. He pledged administrative support to the project to ensure its intended results were received.

I am leading a delegation to Busia to visit the ongoing NYOTA Project entrepreneurship trainings under Cluster 1 (Busia, Kakamega, Bungoma & Vihiga). These trainings are running simultaneously in all constituency offices, equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to build and grow enterprises.

We are joined by James Mureu, Board Chairman of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), and officials from the NYOTA project implementing agencies.

19/06/2025

PRESS RELEASE 19th June 2025

UPDATE ON THE HUSTLER FUND WITH REGARD TO AUDITOR GENERAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30TH, 2023

11/06/2025

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has a long history of driving private sector development in emerging economies through investments, technical assistance, and sustainable finance.

We held a strategic meeting with the EBRD, marking a key step toward Kenya’s pursuit of EBRD membership and recipient country status, which the Cabinet approved on 14 February 2024. The meeting explored areas of collaboration to fast-track MSME growth in Kenya, including technical support, policy reform, and access to affordable finance through banks and local development finance institutions.

A major priority is to utilise EBRD support in strengthening Kenya’s manufacturing and value-added sectors, which are essential for achieving the national target of a 20% contribution of manufacturing to Kenya’s GDP by 2030.

This partnership embodies a collective commitment to unlocking the potential of MSMEs as the driving force behind Kenya’s economic transformation. Kenya’s collaboration with global development finance institutions, such as the EBRD, will provide the tools, capital, and reforms necessary to place MSMEs at the core of industrialisation and inclusive growth, as envisaged in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

04/06/2025

Today, I joined my fellow Principal Secretaries at the 6th 2025 Consultative Meeting, chaired by the Head of Public Service Hon. Felix Koskei, at KICC. The forum provided a crucial opportunity to align our efforts in delivering efficient, citizen-centric services in line with the government’s transformative agenda.

13/05/2025

Was privileged to meet with the Governor of Delaware , Mathew Meyer yesterday on the sidelines of SELECT USA Investment Summit taking place in National Harbor Maryland . Governor Mayer is the first governor in the history of America to establish an SME in Africa and particularly in Kenya, His deep roots in Kenya is reflected in his fluency in Swahili. He is willing and ready to become our MSME champion in the USA and we look foward to fostering collaboration with his State of Delaware to expand the market for our MSMEs.

27/03/2025

18/03/2025

Speaking at an interactive dialogue on inclusive development, shared prosperity, and decentralized work during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the UN Headquarters, I reaffirmed our government’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and driving economic transformation. Our agenda is built on the conviction that women’s economic participation is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic driver of prosperity. We are dedicated to implementing inclusive policies and targeted interventions that stimulate growth in the micro, small, and medium enterprise sector—ensuring that women have expanded access to affordable finance, business development resources, and new market opportunities. By fostering an environment where women can thrive, we are paving the way for enhanced job creation and wealth generation across all segments of society.

I further emphasized that our development strategy integrates a focus on sectors where women have traditionally excelled, such as agriculture and value chains like dairy, textiles, and edible oils. Through initiatives that support subsidized inputs, mechanization, and improved market access, we are bolstering the resilience of women-led enterprises while strengthening food security and overall economic stability. Our broader vision also includes expanding youth employment, leveraging digital technologies, and addressing climate change—each contributing to a sustainable, shared prosperity where no one is left behind.

10/03/2025

Commissioned Training on Fabrication, Assembling, and Operation of Oil Expellers at Kariobangi Center for Excellence

Commissioned a one-week training program on the fabrication, assembling, and operation of oil expellers at the Kariobangi Center for Excellence, aimed at equipping local innovators and Jua Kali artisans with the technical expertise to manufacture high-quality, high-capacity edible oil grinding machines locally.

Speaking at the launch, I emphasized the importance of homegrown solutions in driving the country’s manufacturing agenda and reducing reliance on imported machinery.

Just like the evolution of the posho mill industry, we must now focus on locally fabricating oil expellers that can process more kilograms per hour. This move will not only enhance efficiency in the edible oils sector but also create jobs for our youth and support the broader economy.

The edible oil value chain remains a key pillar of economic growth, with increasing demand for locally processed oils. Empowering Jua Kali artisans to fabricate superior oil expellers will strengthen small-scale oil producers, reduce dependency on imports, and spur industrial development.

Several key agencies were present at the commissioning, including the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), MSEA, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) & Kenya Industrial Estates. Their involvement underscores the commitment to ensuring that locally fabricated machines meet industry standards, are tax-compliant, and receive the necessary financial and technical support to scale up production.

The initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader strategy to promote local manufacturing, enhance food security, and create sustainable employment opportunities, reinforcing the vision for an industrialized and self-sufficient economy.

08/03/2025

I graced the launch of the Agripreneur Model at Busia ATC Grounds, where I had the honor of issuing grants totaling Ksh. 24.5 million to 35 SACCOs across the county. This initiative is designed to boost the working capital of our cooperative societies, enhancing market access and driving value addition for smallholder farmers and women-led small businesses.

The Agripreneur Model, a collaborative effort between the County Government of Busia and the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project, marks a significant milestone in our ongoing journey to strengthen cooperative societies, revitalize the ward-based agricultural economy, and improve livelihoods in our community.

At the event, while 35 SACCOs benefited from the Financial Inclusion Grant, 245 agripreneurs also received vital support. Speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, I acknowledged the pivotal role SACCOs play in providing access to affordable credit and in organizing farmers into structured, focused groups. I emphasized the importance of interventions such as de-risking mechanisms and targeted financial support to fortify these essential institutions.

I also highlighted the transformative potential of the Kenya Youth Employment and Training (KJET) program, which aims to empower our youth and promote rural industrialization. The significant contribution of the World Bank in supporting SACCOs and enhancing value chain development was commended, as it plays a crucial role in our collective progress.

Recognizing Busia’s strategic position as the gateway to East and Central Africa, I urged residents to actively participate in our economic development agenda. With ambitious targets of exporting Ksh. 150 billion worth of edible oils and other agricultural products, every stakeholder’s involvement is vital.

Furthermore, I reiterated that every ward should function as a self-sustaining economic development unit, fostering cottage industries that engage Generation Z in productive economic activities. I called upon community leaders to support our SACCOs by encouraging the formation of ward-based apex SACCOs and smaller associations that can drive local development.

In my closing remarks, I urged our SACCOs to prioritize capacity building and to operate as sustainable enterprises, rather than relying on sporadic injections of capital. I encouraged all stakeholders to leverage available value chains, seize emerging opportunities, and utilize programs like KJET to build enduring capacity for long-term growth and economic transformation.

Finally, I addressed the cross-border traders operating on gazetted public land, urging them to vacate immediately to facilitate the commencement of the Trade Mark East Africa market—a move that will further enhance our regional trade dynamics.

The event is not just a celebration of financial empowerment; it is a call to action for every member of our community to unite in the pursuit of sustainable development and economic prosperity for all.

07/03/2025

Joined by Commissioner for Cooperatives Development, David Obonyo, I led officials from the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs in presenting the supplementary estimates for the 2024/25 financial year to the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, chaired by Hon. Maryanne Keitany.

During the meeting, I strongly refuted claims that the Hustler Fund had been disbursed to minors or ineligible beneficiaries, assuring the committee that no funds had been lost or misallocated. Emphasizing the fund’s integrity, I reiterated that the loan facility remains secure and strictly regulated.

Concerns had been raised in an audit report covering the 2023/24 financial year, suggesting that some beneficiaries were recorded as unborn individuals, with projected birth dates ranging from July 2024 to December 2073. However, I dismissed these claims, explaining that the discrepancies were due to errors in data extraction rather than actual misallocation of funds.

“The data used in the audit report contained significant extraction errors because the audit was not conducted in a live environment. We have since cleaned up the records, and all individuals sampled have verified identity cards and telephone numbers,” I explained.

I further assured the committee that the Hustler Fund’s system does not allow minors to access loans, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in managing the fund. As a flagship initiative supporting small businesses and individual entrepreneurs, the Hustler Fund remains a critical tool in driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment, with proper safeguards in place to ensure funds reach the intended beneficiaries.

24/02/2025

Today, I accompanied the Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, along with my colleague PS, Patrick Kilemi, CEOs from SAGAs, and senior Ministry officials during the presentation of the FY 2025/2026 Budget Policy Statement of the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development to the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives.

During our presentation, we underscored the importance of adequate budgetary allocation to ensure that we can fully deliver on our mandate and serve all Kenyans effectively. The Committee, chaired by Hon. James Gakuya (Embakasi North), supported our proposals, that will help in realizing our shared goals.

23/02/2025

1 Chronicles 16:34: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." These words remind us of the importance of gratitude and the enduring love that binds us together as a community.

Today, alongside my counterparts, PS Raymond Omollo (Interior), Eng. Joseph Mbugua (Roads), and Ms. Teresia Mbaika (Devolution) joined the residents of Makueni County in a thanksgiving church service at AIC Mukuyuni, Kaiti Constituency.

During the service, I encouraged the residents of Makueni to maximize the opportunities provided by the Hustler Fund. By utilizing this initiative, they can build their credit history, which will enhance their ability to access affordable credit in the future.

I shared that approximately 400,000 residents of Makueni County have already accessed over Kshs. 850 million from the Hustler Fund personal loan product and more than Kshs. 17 million from the Bridge loan product. The Bridge loan, launched last December, offers an extended repayment period of 30 days at an annual interest rate of 8%.

So far, through the Hustler Fund initiative, the government has disbursed a total of Kshs. 65 billion to more than 25.3 million Kenyans. This is a testament to our commitment to empowering Kenyans at the grassroots level.

I also emphasized the importance of maintaining good credit behaviour. The Hustler Fund Credit Rating System now scores beneficiaries based on their loan repayment behaviour. Beneficiaries are rated from A1 to C3, with A1 indicating excellent credit behaviour and C3 indicating poor behaviour.

The government is working to institutionalize these credit scores, making them soft collaterals that can unlock access to affordable credit for millions of Kenyans.

Looking ahead, the Hustler Fund Credit Score will enable Kenyans at the bottom of the economic pyramid—who often lack conventional collaterals—to access mainstream financing based on their credit rating. This is a game-changer in our efforts to create financial inclusion and economic empowerment for all.