NAIROBI, Kenya, March 2 – New Trade and Industrialization Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina has formally taken over her new docket from Peter Munya following her appointment by President Uhuru Kenyatta in January.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Maina pledged to support Small and Medium Enterprises in the country and ensure high standards of goods imported into the country.
The incoming CS also pledged to finalize the proposed SME policy as a matter of priority to address challenges faced by small-scale traders.
“It is my intention to conclude the final stages of the SME policy to ensure there is clarity in terms of our support to SMEs,” Maina said.
The new MSE’s policy is expected to address challenges in areas such as limited access to finance especially for start-ups.
The sector has also in the past years experienced minimal reach to data and information.
There has been a high cost of production, especially for manufacturing as a result of the high cost of energy.
This comes after the State singled out the SME sector out of priority sectors to put money back into Kenyans pockets.
The existing policy, which was ratified 14 years ago, does not address several issues, including those brought forth by devolution.
There has been a high cost of production, especially for manufacturing as a result of the high cost of energy.
Maina previously worked as the PS of Industrialization where she was appointed in 2018.
In her new role, Maina will be expected to lead the department in promoting Kenya’s industrialization and enterprise development.
She will also be tasked with promoting private sector development policies and strategies.
The incoming cabinet secretary replaces Peter Munya, who relieved Mwangi Kiunjuri of his duties at the Ministry of Agriculture.
