In a bold step towards inclusive economic transformation, Women Choice, an international organization advancing sustainable initiatives for women, convened a powerful forum titled Driving Growth for Women-Led SMEs in Kenya. The forum aimed to spotlight opportunities and address critical barriers facing women entrepreneurs across the country.
Held at the prestigious Tamarind Brasserie in Karen, the inaugural event themed Scaling Women-Led SMEs: Opportunities, Challenges & Strategic Growth, brought together 45 changemakers including women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and ecosystem enablers to co-create solutions for unlocking the potential of women-led enterprises.
The forum took place amid a dynamic but challenging SME landscape in Kenya, where only 7% of women-owned MSMEs have access to formal financing. Conversations explored key roadblocks such as limited access to capital, regulatory burdens, and underrepresentation in procurement pipelines. Participants also spotlighted alternative funding avenues, including microfinance and grant opportunities.
Nezha Aloui, CEO of Women Choice, emphasized the importance of long-term collaboration:
This forum is not a destination, it’s a blueprint for unlocking greatness. Women-led SMEs are not emerging players; they are essential to Kenya’s prosperity.
A recurring theme throughout the day was the need for intentional inclusion through policy, partnerships, mentorship, and access to market opportunities. Embracing digital tools and community-driven networks was highlighted as a powerful growth lever.
“You can’t scale what you haven’t structured. Investors fund systems, not just ideas.” urged Susan Situma, Director of Programs at the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund.
Sheena Raikundalia, Chief Growth Officer at Kuza One, emphasized tech adoption and customer-driven innovation she said before chasing funding, women entrepreneurs should ask themselves what pain you’re solving. Customers are your biggest funders.”
Discussions also emphasized the importance of data protection and digital trust. Martine Billmann of Genetec noted that Cybersecurity is a business armor. Growth without protection is a risk.
“Compliance isn’t just for corporates. Every business must protect its brand and its customers.” added Carolyne Tanui, from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.
As women continue to form the backbone of Kenya’s MSME sector, the event reinforced a collective call to action: invest, collaborate, and innovate for inclusive prosperity.
