KENYA - Biashara Pawa: A media initiative to elevate women entrepreneurs in underrepresented sectors

Change makers in underrepresented sectors 

IYBA-SEED Kenya, in partnership with RBC, Kaizen Consultancy, and other local Ecosystem Support organizations are launching Biashara Pawa - wich means the business power - an innovative media initiative to elevate women and youth entrepreneurs in underrepresented sectors across 3 counties: Kisumu, Nakuru and Uasin Gishu.

This campaign seeks to spotlight female leaders working in industries often perceived as male-dominated, yet rich with untapped economic potential for women.

An innovative initiative to promote women’s entrepreneurship

The initiative will highlight a group of selected individuals from various sectors who are models of success and inspiration in the three counties, comprising 80% women of all ages and 20% young men:

• Manufacturing and engineering
• Green and circular economy
• Agriculture and agribusiness
• Technology
• Financial services
• Infrastructure development
• Blue economy
• Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)

A Four-Pillar Strategy for Impactful Change

The campaign is anchored in a structured action plan built around four strategic pillars:
1.    Sectoral dialogue events
A series of nine knowledge-sharing forums will take place across the three counties, starting with Kisumu (July 23), Nakuru (August 28), and Eldoret (September 25). These events will foster networking, mentorship, and peer learning among women and youth in non-traditional sectors.

2.    Storytelling and visibility
Through interviews, video features, blog stories, and community storytelling, the campaign will amplify the voices of successful women entrepreneurs, turning local leaders into sources of inspiration.

3.    Showcasing success across platforms
Digital platforms, traditional media, and live events will be leveraged to share stories of impact, encouraging other women and youth to consider opportunities in these fields.

4.    Driving inclusive dialogue
Through tailored, culturally relevant media strategies, the campaign aims to spark meaningful public conversations around inclusive entrepreneurship and gender equity in economic spaces.

From local voices to regional impact

By working hand-in-hand with local business associations and ecosystem support organizations, IYBA-SEED and its partners are committed to creating lasting impact. The campaign emphasizes local storytelling, visibility, and inclusion as key levers for systemic change, paving the way for more equitable economic participation in Kenya and beyond.

Thanks to our parters Wisehub, Nakuru Box, EldoHub who are bringing valuable grassroots expertise and networks to drive impact where it matters mots.

The first series of stakeholder and dialogue events

• 23rd July 2025: Kisumu County
• 25th August 2025: Nakuru County
• 25th September 2025: Eldoret
• 27th November 2025: Kisumu
• 12th February 2026: Nakuru
• 12th March: Eldoret
• 28th May 2026: Kisumu
• 2nd July 2026: Nakuru
• 23rd July 2026: Eldoret
   

These gatherings will offer an opportunity to spotlight inspiring women entrepreneurs, unpack systemic barriers, and co create actionable solutions for inclusive economic participation.