Nakuru Box, in
partnership with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and under the
IYBA-SEED (Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Strengthening
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development) programme, has launched Biashara Pawa,
an initiative designed to elevate the visibility and impact of women
entrepreneurs in underrepresented industries.
The programme, part
of the Team Europe initiative, seeks to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems
and support structures for businesses led by women and youth.
The launch, which happened in Nakuru, brought
together more than 180 participants under the theme “Women and Youth in Nation
Building – From Ideas to Impact.”
The event featured women and youth
entrepreneurs from underrepresented sectors, county government leaders,
business associations, academia, ecosystem partners, and community-based
organisations, creating a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and
inspiration.
The Biashara Pawa
project focuses on empowering entrepreneurs in male-dominated sectors, including
manufacturing and engineering, green and circular economy, agriculture and
agribusiness, technology, financial services, infrastructure, blue economy, and
water, sanitation and hygiene.
Of the
beneficiaries, 80 per cent are women of all ages, while 20 per cent are young
men.
“When women and
youth step boldly into industries where their voices have been scarce, they
don’t just build businesses, they rewrite the rules of what’s possible for
everyone and turn barriers into blueprints,” said George Wayne, Founder of
Nakuru Box.
The project aligns
with IYBA-SEED’s broader goal of creating decent jobs for women and youth,
promoting inclusive entrepreneurial cultures, and strengthening access to
business development services (BDS) in Kenya and beyond.
Participants also
heard candid insights from role model entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem
leaders who discussed the entrepreneurial journey — from idea generation and
startup to growth and sustainability.
They shared stories
of resilience, challenges, and opportunities that continue to shape the
business landscape.
Nduta Ndirangu of
SNV Kenya encouraged participants to remain resilient.
“To our youth and
women entrepreneurs: your ideas matter.
“You are solving
real problems in creative, practical, and resilient ways. Growth also comes
through setbacks. If your idea is not moving yet, don’t give up. Learn from
others. Ask for support. Seek knowledge. Take the next step,” she said.
Biashara Pawa is
anchored in collaboration with local business associations and ecosystem
support organisations (ESOs) in Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, and Kisumu counties.
Together, they will
co-create dialogue events, identify influential role models, craft storytelling
strategies, and amplify community narratives.
The multi-partner
European programme is funded by the European Union along with the French,
German, and Slovak governments, and is implemented by Expertise France
(France), Enabel (Belgium), GIZ (Germany), SAIDC (Slovakia), and SNV
(Netherlands).
