NAKURU, Kenya, Aug 28 — SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, under the IYBA-SEED (Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Strengthening Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development) programme, has launched Biashara Pawa, a media and public engagement initiative aimed at amplifying the voices and visibility of women entrepreneurs in underrepresented sectors across Kenya.
Part of the Team Europe initiative, IYBA-SEED seeks to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and support structures for women- and youth-led enterprises. The multi-partner programme is funded by the European Union and the French, German, and Slovak governments, and implemented by Expertise France, Enabel, GIZ, SAIDC, and SNV.
The Biashara Pawa project emphasizes inclusion, visibility, and localized storytelling. SNV is working with Responsible Business Consulting as the implementing partner, alongside grassroots organizations such as Wisehub in Kisumu, Nakuru Box in Nakuru, and EldoHub in Uasin Gishu. Together, they will co-create dialogue events, profile role models, and amplify community-rooted narratives to inspire wider participation of women and youth in enterprise.
The initiative targets women and youth in sectors where representation remains low, including manufacturing and engineering, green and circular economy, agriculture and agribusiness, technology, financial services, infrastructure development, blue economy, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Women make up 80 percent of participants, while 20 percent are young men.
Planned activities include six to nine sector-based dialogue events across Nakuru, Kisumu, and Uasin Gishu counties. The first event in Nakuru, held on 28th August, showcased role models, highlighted barriers and opportunities in priority sectors, and facilitated interactive sessions with ecosystem actors, industry leaders, and the media.
The dialogues will be complemented by profiling successful women entrepreneurs through interviews, videos, blogs, and public storytelling. Their stories will be amplified across digital platforms, traditional media, and live forums to inspire the next generation of women-led enterprises.
Notable government officials expected at the Nakuru launch included County Secretary and Head of Public Service Dr. Samuel Mwaura, CECM Trade Industry Marketing and Tourism Stephen Kuria Muiruri, CECM Health Services Roselyne Wanjiru Mungai, and other county leaders. Representatives from MSEA, Equity Bank, SNV, and ecosystem partners were also expected.
Responsible Business Consulting will oversee the execution of project activities, including event logistics, role model identification, media production, and reporting.
Biashara Pawa supports the wider IYBA-SEED goal of creating decent jobs for women and youth, promoting inclusive entrepreneurial cultures, and expanding access to business development services in Kenya and beyond.
