PS Susan Auma Mang’eni Named Principal Secretary of the Year at Thamani Awards 2026

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for MSMEs Development, Susan Auma Mang’eni, has been recognised as the Principal Secretary of the Year at the Thamani Awards 2026, a regional platform that celebrates outstanding leaders contributing to social and economic transformation across East and Central Africa.

The award acknowledges her leadership in strengthening Kenya’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector through policy development, enterprise support programmes, and partnerships aimed at driving inclusive economic growth and job creation.

In her acceptance remarks, PS Mang’eni expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that the achievement reflects the collective commitment of staff at the State Department for MSMEs Development, its agencies, and development partners working to empower entrepreneurs across the country.

She dedicated the award to MSME beneficiaries nationwide, describing them as the “true drivers of Kenya’s economic transformation” whose resilience and innovation continue to inspire government efforts in the sector.

“The success of MSMEs remains central to our national development agenda. We are committed to advancing policies and programmes that enable entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, create employment, and unlock the full potential of this critical sector,” she said.

The Thamani Awards organisers lauded PS Mang’eni for her exemplary leadership and contribution to strengthening enterprise development frameworks in the region, noting her role in advancing sustainable and inclusive economic policies.

The State Department reaffirmed its commitment to deepening support for MSMEs through enhanced access to finance, capacity building, market linkages, and enabling policy reforms aimed at fostering long-term economic resilience.

ENDS