By John Kariuki
The Women’s Economic Forum Kenya 2025 provided a pivotal platform to reaffirm the government’s unwavering commitment to women’s economic empowerment through targeted policies, financing, and enhanced market access.
Speaking at the forum, Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development, Susan Mangeni, emphasized the government’s dedication to bridging existing gaps and fostering a thriving ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. She highlighted the critical role of women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in driving innovation, job creation, and overall economic growth.
Women in MSMEs are the backbone of our economy. We must recognize that women’s rights are economic rights. It is disheartening that despite their immense contributions, they still encounter challenges that hinder their full participation in economic growth,” stated PS Mangeni.
Beyond financial and market challenges, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a pressing issue that limits women’s ability to achieve financial independence and contribute effectively to national development. By eliminating GBV, we can unlock women’s full economic potential, leading to stronger families, thriving businesses, and a more prosperous society,” she added.
To support women in business, the government has established key initiatives, including the Women Enterprise Fund, the Hustler Fund, and the Kenya Credit Guarantee Scheme. These programs provide much-needed capital to help women-owned businesses grow.
Additionally, the 2024 MSMEs survey is underway to provide data-driven insights into the sector’s contributions to GDP, employment, and market trends. The government is also reinforcing the ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ initiative to prioritize local businesses in public procurement and supply chains.
To further empower women in manufacturing, the government is strengthening programs such as Common User Facilities and Constituency Industrial Development Centers (CIDCs), which provide essential infrastructure and manufacturing equipment.
Technology remains a game-changer in today’s business environment. The government is investing in digital literacy and e-commerce platforms to help women entrepreneurs access wider markets and scale their businesses.
Digital transformation presents a unique opportunity for women-led businesses to scale and compete effectively. We must embrace technology to break barriers and unlock new opportunities,” PS Mangeni emphasized.
While notable progress has been made, PS Mangeni urged all stakeholders—including government agencies, financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector—to intensify collaboration and scale up interventions that support women’s economic participation.
Let us move from conversations to concrete actions. When women succeed in business, families prosper, communities flourish, and our economy grows stronger. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that women entrepreneurs have the support and resources they need to thrive,” she said.
The Women’s Economic Forum Kenya 2025 brought together policymakers, business leaders, and development partners through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and showcases of innovative women-led enterprises. The discussions underscored the urgent need for sustainable solutions to break barriers and unlock new opportunities for women in business.
As Kenya moves toward a more inclusive economic future, PS Mangeni reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that women entrepreneurs are not just participants but key decision-makers in shaping the country’s economic landscape.
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