Big boost for women entrepreneurs as WEF expansion launched

GRACE NAISHOO-KNA

The Government has announced a major expansion of the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) following a high-level women’s empowerment forum held at Kiambu National Polytechnic in Kiambu County.

The event brought together more than 1,000 women entrepreneurs, senior government officials, and other stakeholders.

The forum marked a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s participation in economic development under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

It also served as a platform to highlight achievements, address operational challenges and outline the next phase of growth for the Fund.

A key highlight of the event was the disbursement of Sh38.6 million to 80 women’s groups, benefiting 867 entrepreneurs from across Kiambu County.

The funding is expected to support businesses in agriculture, trade, manufacturing, and service sectors, contributing to job creation and improved household incomes.

Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo, said women remain central to Kenya’s economic progress, noting that they operate more than half of all small and micro-enterprises and play a leading role in food production. 

She observed that despite their contribution, women continue to face barriers such as limited access to credit, structured markets and business networks, which slow down economic growth.

The CS singled out Kiambu County as a national leader in the uptake and repayment of WEF loans, citing the county’s performance as evidence of strong financial discipline among women entrepreneurs.

“Currently, Kiambu County is taking the lead in uptake and repayment of these loans,” she said, adding that the trend demonstrates the readiness of women to effectively utilize available financial opportunities.

Cheptumo noted that the government will build on this success by increasing funding to both the existing and emerging women’s groups in the county.

“Can we do more? Yes, we can. That is why we must continue adding more funds to the already existing and upcoming women’s groups in this county. That is what we have come to do here today,” she stated.

The CS announced that the government is working towards increasing WEF funding from Sh6 billion to at least Sh10 billion by 2027 to expand its reach and impact.

She also directed WEF management to address delays in loan processing and disbursement, noting that timely access to credit is critical for business growth and sustainability.