Today, as an entrepreneur, I find myself reflecting on how our Kenyan political environment has evolved over time — especially when comparing policy promises to the actual business climate on the ground. I hope this resonates with fellow entrepreneurs who are navigating the same landscape. During the campaign period, the current administration positioned itself as pro-SME and pro-hustler economy. The key pillars emphasized were: support for SMEs, lower taxes and Improved ease of doing business. These promises gained traction at a time when the country was experiencing an economic crunch, and many entrepreneurs saw them as a pathway to relief and growth.

However, as governance took shape, we; the entrepreneurs began to experience a disconnect between the campaign rhetoric and the operational environment. Instead of a more enabling business climate, businesses are now facing High taxes, sudden policy shifts, bureaucratic delays and political interference in regulatory processes. It’s a shame! This contradiction, particularly around policy direction and the so-called “blue economy” and broader economic footprint, has created uncertainty for businesses. When laws and regulations change unpredictably, it becomes difficult to plan, invest, or scale operations. Again, it’s a shame!

Personally, I have taken time to rethink my business strategy and even slowed down on major blogging as I gather my thoughts on how the current political landscape is affecting my business as a small entrepreneur. Governance uncertainty — especially when linked to elite political control — discourages investment and increases the cost of doing business in Kenya. In practical terms: Long-term planning becomes risky, expansion decisions are delayed and investor confidence weakens

One of the most consistent concerns among Kenyan entrepreneurs today is the perception that connections often outweigh competence. Over the past three years, many business owners feel that corruption and favoritism have intensified, creating an uneven playing field between politically connected firms and genuine entrepreneurs. This has led to Youth and emerging leaders viewing public office as a fast track to wealth and influence.Kasmuel being a perfect example to the elite in political class. I see companies start small but then grow rapidly within a short time distorting the natural business growth cycle. Without a solid foundation businesses tend to scramble once the government is out of power

I am a member of different business forums, especially those involving tender-based enterprises, though  a recurring complaint is that procurement and licensing processes often favor politically connected firms over the most efficient or innovative businesses. The culture of “tenderpreneurship” — where contracts are allegedly awarded based on networks rather than merit — has become deeply demoralizing for serious entrepreneurs since businesses lose tenders despite merit and Innovation and competence get sidelined.

The realities of the micro-ecocomic block provides more challenges in this regime than no other. For small businesses, these pressures can mean the difference between survival and shutdown and that is why we have lots of businesses closing shop a few years after being commissioned. The government that boasts of a false lower costs of living has pushed “Sifunas” by “Ku-weka mawe” on their incomes resulting in reduced consumers’ purchasing Power. “Ni Mbaaaaya!”  When households struggle financially, spending on non-essential goods declines — directly affecting SMEs. Even small-scale businesses, including retail ventures like my “Agape Grains” Business, feel the impact through fewer customers, Supply chain disruptions and Reduced consumer spending

In essence, corruption, policy unpredictability, and governance uncertainty have shifted many SMEs from growth-oriented strategies to survival mode. Instead of focusing on innovation, scaling, and long-term value creation, entrepreneurs are forced to prioritize resilience and short-term sustainability. So if you are looking for a reason for a change of governance in the next election, then think business. An entrepreneurial mindset would not sit at ease and wait for a two term agenda to be achieved. For a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem lets rethink, lets review and lets Reinvest our Votes to better leaders.

©JMS2026