NAIROBI, Kenya, June 20 – Women Choice, a global organization focused on empowering women through sustainable economic initiatives, has convened a high-level forum in Nairobi to chart a new course for the growth of women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya.
Held under the theme “Scaling Women-Led SMEs: Opportunities, Challenges and Strategic Growth,” the event brought together 45 entrepreneurs and business leaders at Tamarind Brasserie in Karen. It addressed critical barriers facing women in business, including limited access to finance, regulatory hurdles, and digital exclusion.
Currently, only 7 percent of women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya have formal access to funding.
“This forum is not a destination; it’s a blueprint for unlocking greatness. Women-led SMEs are not emerging — they are already an essential pillar of Kenya’s prosperity. Today’s conversation marks the beginning of a long-term, action-driven agenda,” said Nezha Aloui, CEO of Women Choice.
Participants explored solutions such as inclusive partnerships, alternative financing models like grants and microfinance, and the adoption of digital tools to enhance visibility, operational resilience, and investor confidence.
“You can’t scale what you haven’t structured,” said Susan Situma of the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund. “Research your sector, join aligned associations, and create visibility — because investors don’t just fund ideas; they fund systems they can trust.”
Cybersecurity and data protection were also key topics, with Martine Billmann of Genetec and Carolyne Tanui from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner urging women entrepreneurs to adopt secure digital practices and safeguard customer data to build trust and long-term business sustainability.
“Every woman we empower through entrepreneurship contributes meaningfully to a stronger economy and community,” said Mareva Koulamallah, CEO of Marevak Consulting.
The forum concluded with a commitment to develop a long-term strategy for scaling women-led businesses, with a focus on access to finance, digital transformation, and institutional partnerships that will elevate their role in Kenya’s economic development.
By Phineas Mwenda
