KENYA - Stakeholder Forums to address policy barriers for Youth and Women entrepreneurs

The growth and sustainability of enterprises play a crucial role in driving economic development and job creation. However, many businesses, particularly those led by women and youth, face numerous policies and structural barriers that limit their potential. 

To address these challenges, the IYBA-SEED Kenya Team, through the Association of Startup and SMEs Enablers of Kenya - ASSEK, convened a stakeholders’ forum in Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, and Nakuru counties. The forums aimed to identify and assess the policy gaps hindering enterprise development and propose actionable solutions to support business sustainability.

Collaborative dialogue

Each forum was structured to encourage active participation and co-creation. This laid the foundation for in-depth breakout sessions and open-floor discussions, encouraging collaboration among county officials, business enablers, financial institutions, development partners, and youth- and women-led enterprises.

Purpose of the Stakeholders meeting 

• In Uasin Gishu, participants stressed the need for accessible financing, especially for youth in agribusiness, and raised concerns over high licensing costs and poor infrastructure. Entrepreneurs called for streamlined regulatory processes and greater government support for the tech and manufacturing sectors through incentives and mentorship.

• Kisumu stakeholders pointed to regulatory complexity, limited digital access, and weak market linkages as key hurdles. Emphasis was placed on making policymaking more inclusive and the need for continued training and stakeholder inclusion to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• In Nakuru, stakeholders raised concerns about the disconnect between youth skills and industry needs, particularly in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and agri-processing. Despite the presence of TVETs and training institutions, many young entrepreneurs lacked practical, demand-driven skills to engage competitively in the market.

Key recommendations

Participants called for:

• Streamlined administrative procedures,

• Targeted tax incentives,

• Better coordination among support actors,

• One-stop hubs for MSME support,

• Inclusive, youth- and gender-responsive policy frameworks.

The forums also sparked new partnerships and strengthened stakeholder engagement in co-creating tailored, locally driven solutions.

Towards sustainable implementation

The next steps involve putting the recommendations into action, fostering ongoing collaboration, and continuing public-private dialogue. IYBA-SEED, SNV, ASSEK, and partners remain committed to amplifying local voices and building sustainable, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems that enable early-stage businesses to thrive and create meaningful change.