KENYA - Biashara Pawa Awards celebrate women and youth entrepreneurs transforming underrepresented sectors

Celebrate entrepreneurial excellence, community impact, innovation, and leadership 

After months of dialogue, mentorship, networking, and learning, the Biashara Pawa Awards provided an opportunity to recognise the women and youth entrepreneurs who are redefining what is possible in sectors where they are often underrepresented. 

Throughout the series, 75 entrepreneur role models, 25 from each county, were recognised for their contributions to economic development, innovation, job creation, and community impact. The dialogues brought together entrepreneurs, county governments, business associations, enterprise support organisations, financial institutions, development partners, and other ecosystem actors committed to strengthening opportunities for women and youth-led enterprises.

While each county forum reflected unique priorities and experiences, a common message emerged from keynote speakers, ecosystem leaders, and entrepreneurs alike: resilience, mentorship, collaboration, and partnerships remain critical ingredients for entrepreneurial success. Participants explored practical approaches to overcoming barriers such as limited access to finance, markets, information, networks, and visibility, while strengthening their capacity to grow sustainable enterprises.

Highlights of the initiative

A key highlight of the initiative was the recognition of twelve outstanding entrepreneurs, four from each county, whose achievements exemplify leadership, innovation, growth, and community impact.

•    In Kisumu County
- Victoria Adwet of Kisumu Youth WASH Parliament, recognised for advancing clean water, sanitation, hygiene, climate resilience, and accountable governance through youth and community engagement; 
- Rose Akinyi Onditi of Roak Enterprises, whose manufacturing business produces irrigation sprinklers, steel doors, windows, and other fabricated products supporting farmers and the construction sector; 
- Emmanuel Kepha Onyango of Eargtech Organics, who is championing climate-smart agriculture, agroecology, organic farming, and resilient food systems;
- Immaculate Maliachi of Green Stitch Africa, whose sustainable fashion enterprise empowers young women through vocational and entrepreneurship training.

•    In Nakuru County 
- Sila Ooko Owiti of Jua Farm Umoja Youth Group, a pioneer of hydroponic and aquaponic farming technologies that demonstrate the potential of climate-smart agriculture to create employment opportunities for young people; 
- Serah Njeri Ndung'u of SNDBX Ubuntu, whose work is supporting women's financial inclusion and strengthening the creative economy; 
- Nancy Matheri of M&T Circular Sanitation Limited, whose innovative water and sanitation solutions contribute to environmental sustainability and public health; 
- Karen Mwangi of Kraft Mimosa, who is promoting local manufacturing and value addition through high-quality leather products made from locally sourced Kenyan leather.

•    In Uasin Gishu County
- Tom Obote Ondieki of Obote Mixed Farm was recognised for advancing agricultural innovation and sustainable food production through diversified farming and value addition; 
- Faith Wanjiru of Afrostyled Crafts Centre for creating market opportunities for artisans through handcrafted products that celebrate African craftsmanship; 
- Antonina Makoba of Makos Textile and Tailoring for empowering women and vulnerable groups through skills development and entrepreneurship;
- Constantine Jeptum Seroney of Josco Farm for promoting sustainable agriculture, farmer training, and climate-smart farming practices.

The recognised entrepreneurs represent the diversity and potential of Kenya's entrepreneurial landscape

Their businesses are addressing community challenges, creating employment opportunities, advancing innovation, and demonstrating that women and youth can successfully lead enterprises in sectors where they have traditionally received less visibility and support.

Beyond individual recognition, the awards served as a reminder of the importance of strong entrepreneurship ecosystems. County governments, entrepreneurship support organisations, business associations, investors, development partners, and private sector actors all have a role to play in ensuring entrepreneurs can access the resources, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive. 

Each award recipient received a one-year paid business association membership to support continued business growth and ecosystem engagement, alongside a professionally produced case study video that will amplify their entrepreneurial journey to local and international audiences. 

Through these stories, Biashara Pawa continues to inspire the next generation of women and youth entrepreneurs while showcasing the impact of inclusive entrepreneurship.