Source: SNV / IYBA SEED Project
Kisumu, Kenya – The Kisumu Biashara Pawa event marked one of the final three chapters of an impactful dialogue series aimed at empowering women and youth entrepreneurs in underrepresented sectors.
Launched in July 2025, Biashara Pawa is an initiative of the Investing in Young Businesses Africa (IYBA SEED Project) , implemented by SNV in partnership with Wisehub and the Department for Trade, Tourism, Co-operatives, Industry and Marketing.
The campaign highlights women and youth entrepreneurs who are transforming often-overlooked industries, creating spaces where ideas aren’t only shared but shaped into real, lasting impact.
Coverage Across Three Counties
The dialogue series spanned three counties – Nakuru, Kisumu, and Uasin Gishu – covering eight underrepresented sectors:
| Sector |
|---|
| 🏭 Manufacturing and Engineering |
| 🌍 Green and Circular Economy |
| 🌾 Agribusiness |
| 💻 Technology |
| 💰 Financial Services |
| 🏗️ Infrastructure |
| 🌊 Blue Economy |
| 💧 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) |
Through these dialogue sessions, the initiative highlighted the gaps, opportunities, and systemic barriers facing entrepreneurs while creating space for mentorship, networking, and knowledge sharing.
75 Role Models Across Three Counties
Throughout the series, a total of 75 role models – 25 in each of the 3 counties – were featured. These are women and youth entrepreneurs who are:
📈 Growing their businesses
👷 Creating jobs
🤝 Serving communities
💡 Embracing innovation
🌟 Inspiring others
Kisumu Event Highlights
The Kisumu event was graced by distinguished guests including:
| Guest | Title |
|---|---|
| Madam Farida Salim | CEC Member for Trade, Tourism, Industry and Marketing |
| John Mingala | Director of Trade |
| Inviolette Adhiambo | Director of Tourism |
| Dave Okech | Founder & CEO, AquaRech |
| Erick Ochieng | Regional Coordinator, Kenya Association of Manufacturers |
| Caroline Odera | Founder & CEO, Wisehub |
Keynote Remarks
In his remarks, Dave Okech urged entrepreneurs to be patient and resilient while building their businesses:
“Early success does not guarantee long-term success, and early failure does not guarantee long-term failure.”
Four Outstanding Role Models Recognized
A key highlight of the day was the recognition of four outstanding role models who have demonstrated growth, commitment, and leadership throughout the series.
| Role Model | Organization | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria Adwet | Kisumu Youth WASH Parliament (KYWP) | Clean water, sanitation, hygiene, climate resilience, accountable governance |
| Immaculate Maliachi | Green Stitch Africa | Sustainable fashion, vocational training for young women |
| Emmanuel Kepha | Eargtech Enterprise (Eargtech Organic Farm & Eargtech Bake Organics) | Climate-smart social enterprise building resilient food systems |
| Rose Akinyi | Roak Enterprise | Local manufacturing (irrigation systems, steel doors, windows, essential infrastructure) |
Recognition Package
Each of the four recognized role models received:
| Recognition Item |
|---|
| 🎫 1-year membership at a Business Member Organization |
| 🤝 1-year access to entrepreneur peer learning circles and mentoring platform via ESO |
| 📺 Media visibility through a feature case study video |
These benefits ensure that their journeys continue to inspire and influence others long after the series concludes.
A Lasting Legacy
As the Kisumu series concludes, it leaves behind a stronger, more connected community of women and youth entrepreneurs, better prepared to navigate their sectors and grow their impact.
The Biashara Pawa initiative has successfully:
✅ Created platforms for underrepresented entrepreneurs
✅ Highlighted systemic barriers and opportunities
✅ Built networks for mentorship and knowledge sharing
✅ Recognized and celebrated role models
✅ Inspired the next generation of business leaders
About Biashara Pawa
Biashara Pawa is a campaign supporting youth and women entrepreneurs in underrepresented sectors. It is implemented by SNV in partnership with Wisehub and the Department for Trade, Tourism, Co-operatives, Industry and Marketing under the Investing in Young Businesses Africa (IYBA SEED Project) .
Empowering entrepreneurs. Transforming communities. Building lasting impact. 🌟
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