The event brought together stakeholders from government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to strengthen collaboration in supporting women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs). The SHE GROWS Programme, a strategic initiative, seeks to unlock the growth potential of women-owned businesses by addressing barriers such as limited access to finance, underdeveloped support systems, and gender-based biases.

In his keynote address, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized that when women grow, the nation flourishes. He highlighted KNCCI’s ongoing efforts through the Women in Business (WIB) Committee, established in 2016, to empower, connect, and champion women entrepreneurs across all 47 counties.

“Our vision is simple has the tools, networks, and opportunities to grow her business and transform her community,” Dr. Rutto said. “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.”

Dr. Rutto outlined findings from the KNCCI 2025 Business Barometer, noting that women own 40% of Kenyan businesses but continue to face challenges such as limited access to capital, gender bias, and low participation in public procurement despite policy provisions. He detailed KNCCI’s interventions through initiatives like the Chamber Business Academy, the Isoko Platform, and the AGPO Strengthening Project, all designed to boost women’s competitiveness and inclusion in trade and investment.

KNCCI Advisor on Women in Business, Ms. Nancy Muthoni, also participated actively in the programme — both in the opening session and as a panelist in the discussion on Strengthening the Women-Led SME Ecosystem. She emphasized the importance of building supportive networks and ensuring that women entrepreneurs are integrated into regional and global supply chains.

The event featured sessions on finance, investment readiness, and market access, with partners such as the     and the EU Delegation sharing insights and partnership opportunities.

The roundtable concluded with a commitment ceremony co-led by Dr. Erick Rutto and IFC’s Marieme Niang, where stakeholders pledged to support the implementation of the SHE GROWS programme.

KNCCI pledged its commitment to championing inclusive growth, advocating for gender-responsive policies, and fostering partnerships that ensure women-owned businesses are not just participants but drivers of Kenya’s economic transformation.

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The event served as a global platform to celebrate and recognize women making significant contributions to leadership, business, education, governance, and social transformation.

KNCCI was honored to have our Women in Business (WIB) representative, Ms. Eileen Kemunto, invited as a Guest and Panel Speaker under the theme “Business, Leadership and Empowerment.” Her participation and insights were a testament to the growing regional and international recognition of the impactful work KNCCI-WIB is doing to empower women across Kenya and beyond.

During her address, Ms. Eileen highlighted the Chamber’s commitment to advancing women’s entrepreneurship through strategic programs, mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive trade opportunities. She showcased flagship WIB initiatives that have created lasting impact, including:

• AGPO Sensitization and Empowerment Project – Designed to increase women’s participation in public procurement and access to government tenders.

• International Women’s Day 2025 Initiative – Supported over 150 women leaders and underprivileged schoolgirls in Nairobi with reusable menstrual kits and empowerment sessions.

• Digital Literacy and Entrepreneurship Training – Ongoing support to help young women transition from the informal to the formal economy.

• AfCFTA Sensitization & ISOKO Platform Promotion – Enabling women entrepreneurs to understand and benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) while expanding access to trade through ISOKO, a digital trade platform.

As a reflection of her leadership and the efforts of KNCCI-WIB, Ms. Eileen was recognized with a prestigious Award for Business, Leadership & Empowerment during the ceremony. This award not only honors individual excellence but also acknowledges KNCCI’s role in championing women’s economic inclusion and positioning Kenya as a beacon for women-led enterprise development on the continent.

The International Women’s Parliament’s recognition of KNCCI-WIB underscores the powerful message that local impact can drive global influence. With continued support and investment, KNCCI is committed to expanding its role as a regional hub for inclusive economic development and a model for women-led business excellence.

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