Machakos: Secretary State Department for MSMEs Development Principal Secretary Susan Mangeni has called upon County Governments to adopt business-friendly regulatory policies that make it easier for MSMEs to start, operate, and grow. Mangeni expressed concern among businesses on the burden of costly and complex licensing procedures hindering entrepreneurship, noting that the youths may get discouraged to venture into businesses if the requirements are quite high.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mangeni spoke at Machakos Primary during the ongoing NYOTA Project training, where 364 youth entrepreneurs from Machakos Central, Mumbuni North, Mua, Kiima Kimwe, Kalama, and Mutituni wards are undergoing a four-day business development training under the Business Support Component of the NYOTA Project. “For business to flourish, we need to ease the regulatory and complex requirements for the young people undergoing training, such as the cost of entry into business space and the multiple licenses required,” said Mangeni.
However, the Principal Secretary called on County and National governments to agree on how best to create an enabling business environment that will encourage young entrepreneurs to start businesses. Mangeni added that some Counties have already introduced a two-year licensing holiday for NYOTA beneficiaries, which will accelerate enterprise growth and youth empowerment, and encouraged other Counties to follow the example to enable the youths to empower themselves.
“We want to create a forum that brings together the leaders from County and National governments to look at how best to create a conducive business environment that will not discourage and scare the young entrepreneurs,” added the PS.
Machakos MP Caleb Mule, who was at the function, emphasized the importance of discipline, hard work, and an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth. He thanked the National Government for prioritizing youth empowerment through programmes such as NYOTA, which uplifts young people at the bottom of the economic pyramid. The MP further encouraged youths to take the training seriously and lamented why only 363 turned up when 588 were expected, urging them to ignore those doubting the NYOTA project, as money has been set aside for their purpose and to empower them in businesses.
MP Mule also cautioned the youths against misuse of electronic devices to incite and disrespect others on social media, which will result in them missing out on job opportunities and potential business deals. Mua MCA Francis Ngunga pledged the commitment of MCAs to supporting NYOTA beneficiaries throughout their entrepreneurship journey.
