The Micro and Small Enterprises (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (National Assembly Bill No. 25 of 2025) has been introduced in the National Assembly for its first reading.
The Bill, sponsored by Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, seeks to amend the Micro and Small Enterprises Act, Cap 499C, by requiring the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority to work with other agencies in promoting marketing, branding, value addition and local consumption of Kenyan-made goods and services.
According to the proposal, the Authority will be tasked with supporting micro and small businesses to strengthen their market presence, enhance product visibility and encourage Kenyans to embrace homegrown solutions.
The Bill further seeks to amend Section 74 of the Principal Act to require the Cabinet Secretary, in consultation with the Authority, to develop regulations that prescribe mechanisms for supporting local enterprises through affirmative action measures.
If passed, the law will establish a framework that encourages Kenyans to “buy Kenyan, build Kenya,” a move expected to open markets for small businesses, stimulate job creation, and reduce dependence on imports.
“The amendments are designed to give small businesses a stronger footing in a competitive market. Empowering local enterprises through structured branding and value addition will not only open up markets but also create jobs and boost innovation,” reads part of the Bill’s justification.
The proposals are viewed as critical in strengthening domestic industries, unlocking opportunities for innovation, and safeguarding the role of micro and small enterprises, which are widely regarded as the backbone of Kenya’s economy.
