A national dialogue aimed at strengthening women and youth participation in underrepresented economic sectors has been launched in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
The inaugural forum, convened under the Biashara Pawa initiative, brought together more than 120 participants, including women and youth entrepreneurs, policymakers, financial institutions, and private sector representatives, to discuss how to build a more inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The dialogue is part of the broader Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Strengthening Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development (IYBA-SEED) program, which seeks to empower small businesses in emerging sectors such as manufacturing, green economy, agriculture, technology, financial services, infrastructure, blue economy, and water and sanitation (WASH).
Speaking during the event, Magdaline Chepkemboi, Founder and Executive Director of EldoHub, said the forum provides a platform to amplify the voices of entrepreneurs who often operate outside traditional sectors.
“At EldoHub, we remain committed to creating inclusive pathways for young people and women to thrive in technology and entrepreneurship. Our participation in this initiative has helped amplify underrepresented voices and foster meaningful partnerships,” she said.
Nduta Ndirangu, Project Manager at SNV Kenya, said such engagements are vital to fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
“Building an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem requires networks of support, learning, and mentorship. Dialogues like Biashara Pawa are essential in unlocking pathways for women and youth to start, sustain, and grow their businesses,” she said.
The one-day event featured interactive panel sessions and breakout discussions where participants shared their experiences and challenges, including access to finance, market entry, and policy barriers.
Entrepreneurs also highlighted the impact of limited networking opportunities and capacity-building support, proposing solutions such as digital market access platforms, peer-to-peer learning, and cooperative financial models.
County government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to creating enabling environments through targeted policies, business incubation programs, and capacity development for small enterprises.
Officials from the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) outlined ongoing efforts to support business registration, access to credit, and market expansion opportunities for micro and small businesses.
The forum concluded with participants identifying actionable steps to strengthen coordination among ecosystem actors, including county governments, financial institutions, and business associations, to promote entrepreneurship as a driver of inclusive economic growth.
The Biashara Pawa initiative will continue hosting similar dialogues across Nakuru and Kisumu counties in the coming months.
Organizers said the discussions will spotlight successful entrepreneurs, encourage peer learning, and co-create solutions that address persistent barriers facing women and youth in business.
The ongoing engagements are part of efforts to strengthen Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by promoting inclusive growth, job creation, and sustainable innovation.
The IYBA-SEED program is a multi-country initiative funded by the European Union and European governments, implemented in Kenya, South Africa, Benin, Senegal, and Togo. It aims to strengthen support systems for young businesses and expand access to financing and mentorship opportunities.
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is a global non-profit focused on sustainable livelihoods, while EldoHub is a Kenyan innovation hub supporting technology-driven entrepreneurship and skills development.
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