Celebrating Women in Business in Kenya

Women have been breaking barriers and defying odds in business for years, and Kenya is no exception. 

In fact, the Kenyan government has been implementing policies that support women entrepreneurs and enhance their access to financial resources, training, and markets.

There is no better time than now to celebrate the accomplishments of women in business in Kenya.

Kenya is home to many successful women entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact on the economy. 

One of the most notable examples is Tabitha Karanja, the founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries, one of the largest breweries in the country. Starting in her backyard nearly two decades ago, she has built a business empire that now employs over 700 people. Her company has also contributed significantly to Kenya’s development as a country.

Another successful woman entrepreneur is Caroline Mutoko, who is well-known for her media history. She is an influential media personality in Kenya and has used her success and platform to influence change, including advocating for the inclusion of more women in leadership positions.

Additionally, women have been well represented in Kenya’s agribusiness sector, which is a significant contributor to the country’s GDP. For instance, Lucy Muchoki, the head of the Pan African Agribusiness Consortium, has been instrumental in advocating for the growth of the sector by creating linkages between farmers and potential markets.

Despite such achievements, women in business in Kenya still face significant challenges, including limited access to affordable credit and inadequate training and resources. 

Fortunately, several women-led initiatives have been launched to provide support to women entrepreneurs in the country. 

One such initiative is Wezesha Jamii, which aims to empower women to start and grow successful businesses by providing financial support, mentorship, and business training.

The Kenyan government has also taken steps toward supporting women in business, including establishing the National Women Enterprise Fund (NWEF) and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs. 

The government has also set aside a 30 percent procurement reserve for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, which has promoted inclusiveness and increased women’s representation in the economy.

In conclusion, women in business in Kenya have overcome significant barriers to achieving success, and their contributions to the country’s economy and society cannot be understated. With continued government support and the empowerment of women through initiatives such as mentorship, financial assistance, and access to markets, there is no doubt that more women will continue to break barriers and make significant contributions to Kenya’s economic and social development.