Billions Disbursed, But Barriers Persist for Kenya’s Women Entrepreneurs
Despite the government’s sustained investment through affirmative action funds such as the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) and Uwezo Fund, many Kenyan women entrepreneurs continue to face significant challenges in growing and sustaining their businesses. Over the past year, billions of shillings have been injected into female-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs), aimed at boosting inclusivity and reducing gender disparities in access to capital. However, experts note that financial support alone is not enough, as persistent barriers—ranging from limited market access to inadequate business training—continue to constrain long-term success.
According to the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, thousands of women-led enterprises have benefited from these state funds, helping expand ventures in agriculture, retail, and manufacturing sectors. Yet, despite the capital inflow, many women still struggle with high default rates, limited digital literacy, and restricted access to formal markets, especially in rural areas. Business analyst Mercy Wanjiru observes that while access to credit has improved, many women entrepreneurs need mentorship and financial management skills to translate these loans into sustainable growth. The absence of structured follow-up programs, she added, often leads to repayment difficulties and business stagnation.
Entrepreneurs are calling for a more holistic approach that integrates financial access with market linkages, digital tools, and capacity-building programs. Some counties have begun piloting localized incubation hubs to train women on branding, e-commerce, and cooperative marketing. The government has also hinted at reviewing its funding models to improve recovery rates and sustainability. As Kenya advances its economic empowerment agenda, stakeholders stress that empowering women goes beyond disbursing funds—it requires creating ecosystems that nurture innovation, resilience, and long-term competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy.