SNV launches “Biashara Pawa” to boost women entrepreneurs in underrepresented sectors

The initiative, dubbed Biashara Pawa, kicked off today in Nakuru County with the first of a series of sector-based dialogue events. The programme will also run in Kisumu and Uasin Gishu counties over the next two years.

According to SNV, the project seeks to amplify the visibility of women-led enterprises, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and engineering, technology, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, financial services, and the blue economy. Women make up 80 percent of the targeted beneficiaries, while the remaining 20 percent will focus on young men.

The dialogues are designed to bring together women entrepreneurs, local business associations, policymakers, and the media to share experiences, highlight barriers, and showcase role models in underrepresented fields.

SNV is implementing the project in partnership with Responsible Business Consulting and grassroots ecosystem support organisations including Nakuru Box, EldoHub in Uasin Gishu, and Wisehub in Kisumu.

“This is about spotlighting women who are succeeding in areas where they are often invisible,” said SNV in a statement, adding that the initiative is also expected to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs through storytelling and media amplification.

Government representatives at the Nakuru launch included County Secretary and Head of Public Service Dr. Samuel Mwaura, Trade CECM Stephen Kuria, and Health CECM Roselyne Wanjiru, alongside officials from youth, trade, tourism, and social services departments. Development partners, financial institutions, and ecosystem stakeholders such as MSEA and Equity Bank were also present.

The Biashara Pawa initiative will profile successful entrepreneurs through interviews, videos, and blogs, with the aim of sparking public conversations around inclusive entrepreneurship. Between six and nine dialogue forums are planned across the three counties, each spotlighting women role models in priority sectors while encouraging mentorship and networking.