Nakuru Box, in partnership with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and under the auspices of the IYBA-SEED (Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Strengthening Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development) programme, has officially launched Biashara Pawa, an innovative initiative aimed at amplifying the voices, visibility, and opportunities of women and youth entrepreneurs operating in sectors where they remain significantly underrepresented.
IYBA-SEED, which is part of the Team Europe initiative, seeks to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and improve support structures for businesses led by women and young people across Africa.
The launch event, themed “Women and Youth in Nation Building – From Ideas to Impact,” brought together over 180 participants, including women and youth role model entrepreneurs, county government leaders, local business owners, academia, business associations, community-based organizations, and other ecosystem partners. The platform created a dynamic space for connection, learning, and co-creation, fostering collaborations that drive inclusive growth.
The Biashara Pawa project focuses on supporting women and youth entrepreneurs venturing into traditionally male-dominated sectors such as:
- Manufacturing and Engineering
- Green and Circular Economy
- Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Technology and Digital Innovation
- Financial Services
- Infrastructure Development
- Blue Economy
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
The programme prioritizes 80% women-led businesses of all ages and 20% youth-led enterprises, demonstrating its commitment to promoting gender equity and youth empowerment in Kenya’s entrepreneurial landscape.
“When women and youth step boldly into industries where their voices have been scarce, they don’t just build businesses — they rewrite the rules of what’s possible and turn barriers into blueprints,”
said George Wayne, Founder of Nakuru Box.
Biashara Pawa contributes to the broader IYBA-SEED goals, which aim to:
- Create decent jobs for youth and women
- Promote inclusive entrepreneurial cultures
- Strengthen access to business development services (BDS)
- Encourage innovation and digital adoption
- Build stronger support ecosystems for startups and SMEs
The programme highlights real-life stories and entrepreneurial journeys — from idea generation and startup phase to growth and sustainability — showcasing both opportunities and challenges.
“To our youth and women entrepreneurs: your ideas matter. You are solving real problems in creative, practical, and resilient ways,”
said Nduta Ndirangu of SNV Kenya.
“Remember that growth also comes through setbacks. If your idea is not moving yet, don’t give up. Learn from others, ask for support, seek knowledge, and take the next step.”
Biashara Pawa is deeply rooted in collaboration with local Business Associations and Ecosystem Support Organizations (ESOs). SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is working hand-in-hand with Responsible Business Consulting, Business Associations, and ESOs across Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, and Kisumu counties.
Together, the partners aim to:
- Co-create dialogue events
- Identify and showcase influential role models
- Develop strategic storytelling frameworks
- Amplify community narratives
- Strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems
The IYBA-SEED programme is a multi-partner European initiative funded by the European Union along with the French, German, and Slovak governments. It is implemented by five key agencies:
- Expertise France (France)
- Enabel (Belgium)
- GIZ (Germany)
- SAIDC (Slovakia)
- SNV (Netherlands)
This collaboration underscores Europe’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic empowerment in Kenya and beyond.
Biashara Pawa is set to transform Kenya’s entrepreneurial landscape by empowering women and youth to enter industries where they have historically been underrepresented, while fostering inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainability.
