L-R Chepkemoi Magdaline, Founder and Executive Director of EldoHub and Susan Njoroge, Director at Responsible Business Consulting, during the “Biashara Pawa Dialogue Series: The Power of Mentoring in Entrepreneurship,” held at EldoHub./HANDOUT

More than 100 entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry leaders have converged in Eldoret for a dialogue aimed at strengthening mentorship and unlocking growth opportunities for women- and youth-led businesses.

The forum, dubbed the Biashara Pawa Dialogue Series: The Power of Mentoring in Entrepreneurship, was hosted at EldoHub and focused on addressing structural barriers facing small enterprises in sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, technology, green economy, blue economy, and water and sanitation.

Organisers said the engagement sought to bridge gaps in access to business support, particularly for grassroots entrepreneurs operating in often marginalised industries.

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EldoHub Founder and Executive Director Chepkemoi Magdaline said partnerships between the public and private sectors are key to expanding opportunities beyond major urban centres.

She noted that collaboration with stakeholders, including SNV and government agencies, is critical in decentralising support services and promoting innovation at the local level.

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Magdaline added that innovation hubs play an important role in equipping entrepreneurs with digital skills, mentorship and tailored training needed to scale their businesses.

The event brought together representatives from the Uasin Gishu County Government, the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations (KNFJKA), and Responsible Business Consulting.

SNV’s Nduta Ndirangu emphasised the value of mentorship in enterprise development, noting that while mentors may not directly solve business challenges, they help entrepreneurs make informed decisions and think strategically.

“When entrepreneurs grow, their communities and economies also benefit,” she said.

Nelson Ajala, Multi-Country Programme Manager for IYBA-SEED at SNV, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to strengthening enterprise support systems tailored for women and youth.

A key highlight of the forum was the introduction of sector-based breakout learning labs, where participants engaged in peer-to-peer sessions on market validation, financial literacy, regulatory compliance and customer retention.

The dialogue also recognised green enterprises under the IYBA-SEED Regional Expansion initiative, showcasing local founders advancing sustainability and circular economy solutions.

Organisers said the initiative connected 115 entrepreneurs to mentors, institutional networks and peer support systems, further positioning Eldoret as an emerging hub for innovation and enterprise growth.