NAIROBI, Kenya, July 3 – Twenty-five women and youth entrepreneurs from Nakuru will be recognised at the Biashara Pawa Awards for driving innovation, creating jobs and expanding opportunities in sectors where participation has traditionally been limited.
The awards, held under the theme “Celebrating Entrepreneurship in Underrepresented Sectors,” will bring together entrepreneurs, county leaders, investors, development partners and ecosystem builders at NakuruBox on Thursday.
The initiative is implemented by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation under the IYBA-SEED Programme, part of the Team Europe Initiative funded by the European Union together with the French, German and Slovak governments.
While 25 entrepreneurs will be recognised as Biashara Pawa role models, four overall winners will be selected based on leadership, business growth, innovation, ecosystem engagement, community impact and future potential.
SNV Project Manager Nduta Ndirangu said the programme seeks to give entrepreneurs the recognition and networks needed to grow their businesses.
“The entrepreneurs we are celebrating are proving that innovation is not limited by geography, gender or sector,” Ndirangu said.
“Across Kenya, we are seeing women and young people building businesses that create employment, strengthen communities and solve pressing development challenges. Biashara Pawa exists to ensure these entrepreneurs receive not only recognition, but the visibility, networks and support they need to scale their impact.”
Among those being honoured is Serah Ndungu, winner in the Financial Services category, for supporting more than 520 women creatives in Nakuru to access financing and skills development, enabling them to build sustainable businesses.
In the Manufacturing and Engineering category, Nancy Matheri is being recognised for developing a metal composite water filter that removes fluoride from drinking water, while Karen Mwangi is being honoured for producing premium leather products from locally sourced Kenyan leather.
The Blue Economy Award will go to Sila Ooko, Chairman of the Juafarm Umoja Youth Group, for promoting hydroponics and aquaponics as climate-smart farming solutions for young entrepreneurs.
Responsible Business Consulting Managing Director Susan Njoroge said the awards are helping change perceptions about entrepreneurship in sectors often overlooked by women and young people.
“Many of the sectors being celebrated have historically seen limited participation by women and young people. Through Biashara Pawa, we are amplifying the stories of entrepreneurs who are changing that narrative while inspiring others to pursue opportunities in manufacturing, technology, agriculture, financial services, the blue economy, green enterprise and WASH,” she said.
The programme has also supported entrepreneurs in Nakuru, Kisumu and Uasin Gishu through mentorship, networking, public storytelling and business development initiatives.
NakuruBox Founder and Chief Executive Officer George Wayne said the awards go beyond recognition by strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Behind every entrepreneur we are celebrating is a story of resilience, determination and innovation. These awards acknowledge the incredible work already being done while strengthening the ecosystem that allows entrepreneurs to grow, collaborate and inspire others,” he said.
In addition to trophies and certificates, the four overall winners will receive business support packages, including mentorship, branding support, legal and financial advisory services, media profiling and appointments as SNV County Role Model Ambassadors.
