PS Mang’eni roots for stronger MSME financing as Nelson Kwamini takes helm at KIE

The Principal Secretary in the State Department for MSMEs Development Susan Mang’eni has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening support for small businesses following the appointment of Nelson Kwamini as Managing Director of Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE).

Speaking during the announcement of Kwamini’s appointment, Mang’eni said the institution remains central to supporting the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are a key pillar of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

She noted that KIE plays a crucial role in advancing Kenya’s goal of increasing the manufacturing sector’s contribution to gross domestic product to 20 per cent by 2030.

“Kenya Industrial Estates plays a critical role in advancing Kenya’s ambition to grow the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP to 20 per cent by 2030,” said Mang’eni.

The PS added that through financing of up to Sh20 million to manufacturers and cottage industries, KIE continues to nurture local enterprises, promote industrial growth and create employment opportunities across the country.

Kwamini takes over the leadership of the state development finance institution following a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Public Service Commission.

Before his appointment, he served at Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) as Director of Research, Strategy and Business Development. He has also previously worked at Co-operative Bank of Kenya and Sidian Bank, as well as at the Universities Fund where he served as Director of Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Kwamini said he is committed to strengthening Kenya’s manufacturing base by supporting MSMEs to expand and become more competitive.

“This appointment comes at a pivotal moment in delivering Kenya’s manufacturing promise. I look forward to working closely with the Ministry, the Board and stakeholders across the ecosystem to empower more MSMEs to scale and thrive,” he said.

Kenya Industrial Estates, a state corporation under the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, provides medium- and long-term development financing of up to Sh20 million to indigenous MSMEs and supports enterprise incubation across the country to enhance business survival and competitiveness.