Women entrepreneurs in Busia County are set to receive a significant boost through a transformative economic empowerment programme aimed at strengthening their capacity in micro and small enterprise development. The initiative will offer comprehensive training on entrepreneurship and financial management, targeting women at various stages of business growth.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Busia County Government, with a particular focus on transitioning low-income, financially excluded women into the formal financial system. This approach seeks to address the systemic barriers that often hinder women from fully participating in the economy.
During the official launch of the programme, Mr Omuse Olakachuna, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Investments, Industries, Cooperatives, and SMEs, emphasised the need to instil a culture of saving among local entrepreneurs. He reiterated the County’s dedication to fostering continuous financial literacy learning, pointing to existing support mechanisms such as the County’s Trade Revolving Fund as instrumental in promoting grassroots economic empowerment.
Mr Olakachuna also noted the impact of cooperative development in the region, stating that 35 cooperative societies in Busia County have already undergone SACCO leadership training. These cooperatives, he said, are well-positioned to act as engines of economic progress in the county.
Representatives from the Stanbic Bank Foundation, a key partner in the initiative, highlighted the broader vision of economically empowering five million women across Kenya over the next seven years. The Foundation aims to address key challenges facing women in business — such as lack of collateral, limited access to affordable credit, and information gaps — through inclusive financial products, digital solutions, and tailored capacity building.
“We are committed to unlocking economic opportunities for women by offering practical tools for financial fitness, promoting a culture of savings within chamas, and enabling easier access to affordable credit through digital platforms,” said Pauline Mbayah, Head of the Stanbic Kenya Foundation.
The training will be delivered across local markets within Busia County, ensuring grassroots reach and relevance. By equipping women with essential skills and knowledge, the programme seeks to catalyse sustainable economic growth through the development of resilient, women-led enterprises.
This initiative marks a significant step toward financial inclusion and gender-responsive economic development in Busia County.
