KWIWES Program Drives Entrepreneurship & Environmental Sustainability
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- September 2, 2024
The Kenyan Women’s Initiative for Waste Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (KWIWES) has successfully empowered women in Kakamega, Kisumu, and Maseno to become leaders in waste management and entrepreneurship. Through a comprehensive program, KWIWES provided participants with training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to funding.
This initiative provided personalized mentorship to a cohort of 10 trainers and 30 entrepreneurs, linking them with potential investors and funding opportunities. KWIWES emphasized the importance of sustainable practices and the circular economy, aiming to nurture a new generation of women leaders.
Key Program Achievements:
- Empowered Women Entrepreneurs: Over 40 women were equipped with valuable skills and resources to launch and grow sustainable waste-based businesses.
- Job Creation: The program contributed to the creation of over 300 jobs, both part-time and full-time.
- Economic Growth: Program beneficiaries generated an average monthly revenue of KShs 63,163, boosting local economies.
- Environmental Impact: Participants learned sustainable practices and contributed to a cleaner and healthier environment.
- Networking and Partnerships: Entrepreneurs forged new connections and expanded their market reach.
Participants received essential tools and skills to launch and grow sustainable waste-based businesses, enhancing employment opportunities.
According to Benson Abila, CEO of Homeless of Kisumu (HOK), 83.3% of the entrepreneurs formed new partnerships, and 95.8% expanded their market reach during the program. The women, mostly under 35, also learned how to create a safer and healthier environment to combat environmental degradation.
First lady Ms Dorothy Nyong’o pledged to help the young entrepreneurs with relevant linkages in Kisumu County
Kisumu County First Lady Dorothy Nyong’o, who attended the Green and Circular Economy Summit at HOK offices, praised the beneficiaries’ environmental efforts and pledged to help them connect with county government stakeholders. She was impressed by the innovative use of waste materials and encouraged the entrepreneurs to continue scaling their endeavors.
Benson Abila noted that 45.8% of the women formalized their businesses during the program. The business clinics provided training in financial management and bookkeeping to help integrate their businesses.
The summit celebrated waste entrepreneurs who have successfully transformed waste into valuable resources, contributing to job creation and environmental sustainability. Expert panelists from various organizations provided insights into waste entrepreneurship within the green circular economy, fostering networking, partnerships, and collaboration opportunities.
US Embassy representatives at the exhibition stalls
Beneficiaries found networking (24.6%), linkages (21.5%), mentorship (26.1%), and training (27.7%) to be the most valuable aspects of the program.
Partnerships and Support:
The KWIWES program was a collaborative effort involving the US Embassy, Start Up Bug, Homeless of Kisumu (HOK), and M-taka. The program also received support from the Kisumu County government and local stakeholders.
The success of the KWIWES program demonstrates the potential for women-led initiatives to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability. By empowering women and providing them with the necessary tools and resources, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous future.
