DNK International By By Felix Njenga,Kiambu.
A total of Sh 38.6 million has been disbursed to women groups in Kiambu through women enterprise development fund.
During the disbursement ceremony more than 1,000 women from the County gathered at Kiambu National Polytechnic during the ceremony which underscores the government’s commitment to advancing women’s economic participation under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The forum brought together senior government officials, including Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a, and Kiambu Sub-County Senior Deputy County Commissioner Titus Macharia.
It also served as both a celebration of women’s entrepreneurial achievements and a platform to address persistent barriers such as limited access to credit, markets, and business networks.
The disbursement of the the funds is set to support enterprises in agriculture, trade, manufacturing, and services sectors, directly impacting hundreds of households across the county.
In her keynote address, CS Cheptumo lauded the resilience and contribution of women to Kenya’s economy, noting that they account for more than half of micro and small enterprises and produce the majority of the country’s food.
She emphasized that despite their significant role, women continue to face systemic challenges that limit their growth, calling for deliberate policy and investment to unlock their full potential.
She urged beneficiaries to utilize the funds prudently, maintain proper financial records, and adhere to repayment schedules to sustain the revolving fund model.
“Every shilling repaid creates an opportunity for another woman,” she said.
Since its inception, WEF has disbursed over Sh 28 billion to more than 2.28 million women across the country, achieving a repayment rate of over 95 percent.
Agriculture leads in funding allocation, followed by MSMEs, with growing investment in sectors such as health, social enterprises, and the digital economy.
The government has committed to increasing WEF funding from Sh 6.05 billion to at least Sh 10 billion by 2027, targeting five million women entrepreneurs.
Leaders also called for stronger collaboration between national and county governments to expand market access, simplify business processes, and enhance opportunities under the AGPO framework.
Beneficiaries shared testimonies of transformation, citing improved livelihoods, business expansion, and job creation.
As the forum concluded, leaders reaffirmed that empowering women remains central to achieving inclusive economic growth.
[DNK-International@April 30,2026]
