Nairobi, Kenya – The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Susan Mang’eni, has called for a national conversation on reforming Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies to ensure corporate investments directly empower young entrepreneurs and small businesses through grant funding.
Speaking during the Kenya Development Cooperation (KDC) Event at Serena Hotel in Nairobi, attended by representatives from the private sector and led by the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency, Mang’eni said CSR programmes should move beyond traditional charitable initiatives and become strategic tools for economic transformation.
The Principal Secretary noted that while many companies invest substantial resources in CSR activities, there is an opportunity to redesign these programmes to directly support entrepreneurship and enterprise development, particularly among young people and those operating within the informal economy.
She proposed that a portion of CSR funding be channelled into structured grant programmes that are easily accessible to youth, mama mboga traders, boda boda riders, artisans and other micro and small enterprises that often face challenges accessing affordable financing.
“We need to have a national conversation around our Corporate Social Responsibility policies so that CSR resources can intentionally reach those who need them most. By directing more of these funds into grants for young entrepreneurs, mama mboga, boda boda riders and other grassroots enterprises, we can unlock economic opportunities and create sustainable livelihoods,” Mang’eni said.
She observed that Kenya’s informal sector remains the backbone of the economy, employing millions of people whose businesses require targeted financial support to expand and create more employment opportunities. According to the PS, strategic CSR investments would complement the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by promoting financial inclusion, enterprise growth and job creation.
Mang’eni further challenged the private sector to collaborate closely with government in developing transparent and accountable CSR frameworks that prioritize sustainable economic impact over short-term charitable activities.
She emphasized that CSR grant programmes should be accompanied by mentorship, business development services, financial literacy training and market access opportunities to ensure beneficiaries establish resilient businesses capable of generating long-term employment.
Speaking during KDC’s Customer Networking Forum, Director General Norah Ratemo reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to fostering partnerships that support business growth and national development.
“Our commitment goes beyond providing financing. We are focused on building meaningful partnerships, unlocking opportunities and creating lasting impact that drives business growth, strengthens industries and contributes to Kenya’s economic transformation,” Ratemo said.
The networking forum brought together customers, development partners and private sector stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, share experiences and explore new opportunities for investment and enterprise development.
Mang’eni commended the participation of private sector players, noting that partnerships between government, businesses and development partners remain critical in strengthening Kenya’s MSME ecosystem and promoting inclusive economic growth.
The Kenya Development Cooperation networking event served as a platform for government officials, development partners and private sector leaders to discuss innovative partnerships aimed at accelerating sustainable development, expanding investment opportunities and supporting communities across the country.
About The Author
