NANDI, Kenya – Kenyan youth activist Kasmuel Mc’oure is over the moon after he partnered with the government through the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development to empower youth economically.
On Thursday, December 18, 2025, Kasmuel, an artist, musician, and political commentator, held talks with Susan Mang’eni, PS State Department for MSMEs Development.
“Through this engagement, we aim to expand youth uptake of key initiatives such as the Hustler Fund, the NYOTA Project, and shared user spaces under @KIE_Kenya, enabling young entrepreneurs to add value, scale sustainably, and build resilient livelihoods,” said Kasmuel after their engagements.
PS Mang’eni said that the State Department for MSMEs Development will collaborate with Kasmuel, convenor of the Broad-Based Youth Front, to ensure that more young people have timely access to information, opportunities, and tools that support their economic empowerment.
“To expand the reach and impact of our State Department, we look forward to collaborating with @_KasKazini, the convener of the Broad-Based Youth Front, to ensure that more young people can access timely information, opportunities, and tools that support their economic empowerment,” said PS Mang’eni.
Meanwhile, PS Mang’eni, who spoke at the Koitalel Samoei University College, Nandi County, has urged Parliament to prioritise the Start-Up Bill when the House resumes sittings in February 2026, noting that the Bill, currently at the mediation stage, will be a game changer for MSMEs.
Why does the Start-Up Bill matter
The Start-Up Bill is expected to unlock sustainable funding pathways for start-ups, strengthen the enabling environment for innovation, and allow existing financing platforms to more effectively support emerging enterprises, particularly those led by youth.
Speaking during the official opening of the Grand Nandi Youth Festival 2025, PS Susan Mang’eni called on the National Assembly to fast-track the Bill, underscoring its importance in advancing entrepreneurship, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
She also urged the academia sector 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. PS Mangeni emphasised that the digital economy will be central to achieving this aspiration, especially in empowering young innovators and start-ups.
The event brought together key leaders and stakeholders, including John Tanui, Principal Secretary, State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy; Cynthia Muge, Member of Parliament, Nandi County; Kasmuel; and Ruth Choge, Deputy Principal, Koitalel Samoei University College.
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