MPs back Women Enterprise Fund as Sh11 billion reaches 73,712 women groups

In a bid to expand support for women entrepreneurs, the National Assembly’s Social Protection Committee, chaired by Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), met with the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) to discuss ways of reinforcing its reach, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

The discussions highlighted the Fund’s pivotal role in empowering women and promoting inclusive economic growth across the country.

WEF, led by CEO Rachel Musyoki, is a key initiative under Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

During the meeting, the Fund presented its accomplishments, demonstrating extensive engagement with grassroots communities.

So far, WEF has provided Sh11 billion in funding to 73,712 women-led micro, small, and medium enterprise groups, offering loans and enterprise development training that improve income opportunities and business skills.

In the agricultural sector and value-chain programmes, WEF has invested Sh12 billion in 77,000 groups, advancing climate-smart farming techniques and supporting food security in rural areas.

In addition, Sh148 million has been channelled to 1,668 groups within the digital and creative economy, enhancing skills and access to markets.

The Fund has also allocated Sh348 million to 2,916 groups focusing on health and social inclusion, promoting household wellbeing and economic resilience.

MPs highlighted the importance of partnership between Parliament and WEF to maximise results.

“We have to work as a team to ensure women in this country are supported,” said Vice-Chair Hilary Kosgei.

CEO Musyoki agreed, explaining that working in isolation had previously slowed progress and emphasised the need for legislative support to amplify the Fund’s impact.

The Committee also opposed earlier proposals to merge WEF with the Uwezo and Youth Enterprise Funds, cautioning that such moves could weaken programs that are already delivering results.

Members are committed to advocating for the release of WEF’s seed capital, which has been unfunded for over three years, and to monitor the implementation of the President’s Sh9 billion pledge to sustain ongoing projects.

Ng’ang’a detailed the Committee’s targets, including extending the Fund’s services to five million more women, increasing its value by Sh5.6 billion, and expanding the loan portfolio by Sh30 billion.

The meeting concluded with a firm commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs as a key strategy for building a stronger, inclusive Kenyan economy.

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