Kenya's Skills Programme Transforms Hundreds of Women and Young Entrepreneurs
A major skills programme for women and young entrepreneurs in Kenya has far exceeded its training goals. Launched in October 2024, the initiative has already equipped hundreds of small business owners with essential tools for growth. The project, set to run until September 2026, is now seen as a key driver for economic empowerment in the country. The Skills for Women and Youth Programme was designed to boost digital competitiveness, cross-border trade readiness, and scalability for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Women play a crucial role in Kenya's MSME sector, and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has emphasised the need to support them alongside young entrepreneurs.
To ensure nationwide reach, 138 certified trainers were deployed across all 47 counties. The programme's impact quickly became clear: by August 2025, 478 MSMEs had completed the training—a figure nearly 400% higher than the original target of 120. Every participant graduated successfully, achieving a 100% completion rate. The Chamber Business Academy, which supports the programme, acts as a knowledge hub and training centre. It provides resources for business capacity building, helping entrepreneurs refine their skills. With Kenya home to one of the world's youngest populations, the initiative aims to create lasting change by scaling success stories and embedding lessons into future training.
The programme's early success has set a strong foundation for its remaining year. By September 2026, organisers plan to deepen its impact, expand best practices, and solidify its role in Kenya's business landscape. The 478 trained entrepreneurs now have better tools to grow their enterprises and compete in global markets.
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