By John Kariuki
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for MSME Development Susan Mang’eni has called on Micro Small and Medium Enterprises to leverage digital tools and technology to scale and compete globally while remaining responsive to local market dynamics.
Speaking during a fireside chat at the inaugural Women in STEM Africa Summit held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on 9th July PS Mang’eni underscored the Government’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation as a key driver of economic growth and inclusive development.
Hosted by Women in Technology and Innovation Africa WITIA the summit convened women leaders innovators and entrepreneurs from across the continent to explore pathways for harnessing science technology engineering and mathematics to uplift communities and transform enterprises.
PS Mang’eni highlighted ongoing Government initiatives such as the Digital Superhighway project which aims to roll out one hundred thousand kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure ensuring last mile connectivity and universal access to digital services across every ward in the country.
Digital adoption is no longer optional for MSMEs. It is the gateway to visibility scalability and competitiveness said PS Mang’eni. As Government we are creating the infrastructure and policies to enable every entrepreneur to plug into the digital economy.
She further encouraged MSMEs to formalise their operations noting that formal businesses are better positioned to access financing protect intellectual property enter new markets and benefit from government programs. She cited the proposed Start Up Bill currently before the National Senate as a bold step towards strengthening Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.
The Bill seeks to create a multisectoral agency that will act as a one stop shop for MSMEs supporting them from ideation to market entry said Mang’eni. This legislation will be a game changer for young entrepreneurs and innovators.
Also speaking at the summit was renowned technology entrepreneur James Ayugi who advised MSME founders to adopt a global mindset from the onset. Building a business that can scale internationally requires intentionality strategic partnerships and awareness of diverse regulatory environments he said.
PS Mang’eni also reminded entrepreneurs that all government procurement processes are being transitioned to the e Government Procurement Portal. She urged MSMEs to register their enterprises to tap into expanded tendering opportunities.
This platform will democratise access to government tenders ensuring transparency and inclusivity. I encourage all MSMEs to register and position themselves for growth through public procurement she added.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration between Government private sector and innovation networks to support women in STEM and MSMEs across Africa.
Mt Kenya Times 
Jerameel Kevins Owuor Odhiambo