Ruto advisor urges partnerships to boost women business access

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 8 – Presidential Advisor on Women Rights Harriet Chiggai has called for stronger partnerships to make women-owned businesses more bankable and unlock their growth potential.

Speaking in Nairobi, Chiggai said women are a key driver of Kenya’s economy but continue to face structural barriers that limit access to finance.

“Making women bankable requires a deliberate shift in how we design financial systems… and policies that dismantle barriers such as lack of collateral and limited access to assets,” she said.

She noted that women own about a third of formal small and medium enterprises in Kenya, with even higher participation in the informal sector.

Chiggai emphasised the need for collaboration between government, financial institutions, and the private sector to de-risk investments and expand access to capital.

She spoke during the graduation of more than 100 women entrepreneurs trained under Equity Bank Kenya’s Fanikisha programme.

Managing Director Moses Nyabanda said empowering women entrepreneurs drives inclusive economic growth.

“When women-owned businesses grow, they create jobs, strengthen households and drive inclusive development,” he said.

The programme offers training in digital literacy, taxation, insurance, and cash flow management, alongside access to credit through group-based lending models.

Since its launch in 2007, Fanikisha has disbursed over Sh565.6 billion in loans, training, and support to women entrepreneurs across the country.

Graduates said the programme has helped them strengthen operations, adapt to challenges, and identify new growth opportunities.

The initiative is expected to expand the pool of women-led enterprises contributing to Kenya’s economic transformation.