SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, under the IYBA-SEED programme, has launched Biashara Pawa, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at amplifying the visibility and voices of women entrepreneurs in underrepresented sectors across Kenya. The programme, which is part of the broader Team Europe initiative, seeks to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems while addressing the persistent barriers that hinder women and youth from thriving in business. This launch marks a significant step toward building inclusive, vibrant, and resilient economies driven by women and youth.
Funded by the European Union and the governments of France, Germany, and Slovakia, and implemented by multiple partners including Expertise France, Enabel, GIZ, SAIDC, and SNV, IYBA-SEED is designed to empower women- and youth-led enterprises. Biashara Pawa complements this mission by focusing on inclusion, visibility, and localized storytelling that highlights real role models. By doing so, the initiative aims to reshape perceptions, break down stereotypes, and inspire more women and young people to venture into entrepreneurial spaces where their representation has historically been low.
SNV has partnered with Responsible Business Consulting as the lead implementing partner, supported by grassroots organizations such as Wisehub in Kisumu, Nakuru Box in Nakuru, and EldoHub in Uasin Gishu. Together, these partners are co-creating dialogue events, profiling inspiring entrepreneurs, and amplifying narratives that reflect the realities and successes of community-rooted businesses. These collaborations ensure that the initiative is not only national in vision but also deeply localized in its execution.
The initiative will target priority sectors where women and youth representation remains limited, such as manufacturing and engineering, the green and circular economy, agriculture and agribusiness, technology, financial services, infrastructure development, the blue economy, and WASH. Notably, women make up 80 percent of participants, while 20 percent are young men. This balanced but intentional inclusion demonstrates a commitment to gender equity while recognizing the role of young men as allies in advancing inclusive entrepreneurship.
Key activities under Biashara Pawa include six to nine sector-based dialogue events to be held across Nakuru, Kisumu, and Uasin Gishu counties. The first event, held in Nakuru on 28th August, provided a platform to showcase role models, explore sector-specific opportunities and barriers, and connect entrepreneurs with ecosystem actors, government leaders, and industry players. Beyond the dialogues, the initiative will use interviews, videos, blogs, and storytelling to profile successful women entrepreneurs, with their stories shared across digital platforms, traditional media, and live forums to inspire future generations.
Biashara Pawa is not only about visibility but also about creating long-term impact. By aligning with the wider IYBA-SEED goal of fostering decent jobs, inclusive cultures, and broader access to business development services, this initiative positions women and youth at the forefront of Kenya’s entrepreneurial transformation. With strong partnerships, government involvement, and a deliberate focus on underrepresented sectors, Biashara Pawa is set to drive change, spark innovation, and accelerate the growth of women-led enterprises across Kenya.
#BiasharaPawa #IYBASEED #SNV #WomenEntrepreneurs #YouthEntrepreneurship #TeamEurope #KenyaBusiness #InclusiveGrowth #SustainableDevelopment #EntrepreneurshipEcosystem #WomenInBusiness #YouthEmpowerment #InnovationInKenya #EconomicTransformation
