Susan Mang’eni Biography: Early Life, Education, Career, Personal Life and Current Role
Susan Mang’eni Biography
Susan Auma Mang’eni serves as the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development in Kenya. She works under the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Her efforts focus on helping small businesses grow and create jobs for many Kenyans.
Mang’eni brings strong skills in public policy and leadership. She started her big role in December 2022 after President William Ruto appointed her. Since then, she has pushed plans like the Hustler Fund to give loans to small traders. This helps people at the bottom of society build better lives.
Her work ties into Kenya’s bigger goals. The country sees small businesses as key to jobs and less poverty. Mang’eni leads changes in areas like training and market links for these businesses. Readers will learn about her path, wins, and plans in this piece.
Susan Mang’eni Early Life and Education
Susan Mang’eni grew up with a keen eye for community needs. She connects deeply with places like Busia County, where she saw young people face hard times like poverty and HIV challenges. These early sights shaped her drive to help youth find skills and jobs.
She studied at the University of Nairobi. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration. Later, she got a Master of Arts in Entrepreneurship Development. These degrees gave her tools for policy work and business growth.
Mang’eni also joined global programs. In 2011, she took part in the International Visitors Leadership Programme by the US State Department. This trip built her views on leadership across borders. She links to groups like the Mandela Institute for Development Studies and Women Democracy Network. Such ties help her bring fresh ideas to Kenya.
Her education stresses real-world change. She learned how governments can boost small enterprises and empower women. This base led her to roles that fix local problems.
Susan Mang’eni Career
Mang’eni built a career over 15 years in public and private work. She focused on policy making, business setup, and youth training. In private jobs, she advised on economic and political shifts in Kenya and East Africa.
She served on key boards. At the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, she helped young starters get funds and skills. She also sat on the Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis board. There, she shaped research for better policies.
Another role came at the Competition Tribunal of Kenya. She oversaw fair business rules. Mang’eni joined the team for Kenya Kwanza Manifesto’s economic plans. She wrote blueprints for the Western Region to grow farms and trade.
Before her top job, she did audits on the 2010 Constitution’s economic side. This work under the Auditor General checked how laws help people. Her steps show steady rise in serving Kenya’s growth needs.
Susan Mang’eni Current Role
Mang’eni took her Principal Secretary post on December 1, 2022. She leads the MSME State Department. Her tasks include making rules, finding funds, and training owners.
One main push is the Hustler Fund. It gives cheap loans to informal sellers and youth. This fits the bottom-up economy model. She also runs the NYOTA Project. It trains people in counties like Busia and Kakamega on skills and business.
Mang’eni backs value chains such as dairy, leather, coffee, and textiles. She promotes “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” to favor local goods. In 2025, she led the Women’s Economic Forum Kenya. Recent talks note classroom and skill checks for youth.
Her office works with TVETs for certifications. This helps small firms meet standards and get markets. She speaks on transparent picks for aid and plans for job growth. These steps aim to lift 17 million informal workers.
Susan Mang’eni Achievements
Mang’eni earned the Chief of the Burning Spear (CBS) award for her work. It honors her role in youth and women uplift. She grew the MSME sector with trainings and funds.
Under her lead, more entrepreneurs get tools. The Hustler Fund reached many, cutting poverty links. She helped craft policies from audits that shaped 2016 laws.
Her regional blueprints guide Western Kenya’s farms and trade. Mang’eni boosted local buys in government deals. Forums like 2025 Women’s Economic event empowered women leaders.
She built oversight in funds like YEDF and KIPPRA. Global links from IVLP added value to Kenya’s plans. Her work drives inclusive growth and jobs.
Susan Mang’eni Personal Life
Few details exist on Mang’eni’s private side. Public records keep her family out of spotlight. She stays private to focus on work.
She roots in Busia County. There, she pushes youth skills against old woes like child labor and orphans. No confirmed info on age, husband, or kids shows online.
Her networks shine more. Ties to MINDS, WDN, and Pan African groups aid her views. Passion for Kenya’s young drives her daily.
Conclusion
Susan Mang’eni stands as a key figure in Kenya’s small business push. Her skills from school to boards now shape national plans. She turns policy into real help for traders and youth.
Her path from Busia insights to PS role shows grit. Wins like funds and trainings build lasting change. Future holds more for MSMEs in jobs and growth.
FAQs
What is Susan Mang’eni’s job title?
She is Principal Secretary for MSME Development.
When did she start as PS?
She was sworn in on December 1, 2022.
What degrees does she hold?
MA in Entrepreneurship Development and BA in Political Science from University of Nairobi.
What is the Hustler Fund?
A loan program for small traders and youth under her department.
Where is she from?
Busia County in Western Kenya.
Has she won awards?
Yes, CBS for public service.
What boards did she serve?
Youth Enterprise Development Fund, KIPPRA, Competition Tribunal.
What chains does she promote?
Dairy, leather, coffee, textiles.
Does she focus on women?
Yes, via forums and empowerment plans.
