Atleast 1500 women from six sub-counties have completed a transformative training programme sponsored by the Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE) in partnership with the Office of the Women Representative of West Pokot.
The comprehensive training, which spanned several weeks, focused on enhancing women’s skills in various sectors, including entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, and agricultural practices.
Speaking at the closing ceremony in Bendera Catholic Church Parish in Kapenguria, Women’s Representative Rael Aleotum praised the initiative, noting that it plays a crucial role in fostering economic independence and gender equality in the region.
“This training has equipped our women with the knowledge and resources they need to create lasting change in their communities,” Aleotum said.
Aleotum said the programme aimed not only to provide valuable skills but also to boost the confidence of women, enabling them to become key players in driving development within their families and local economies.
Joseph Ayeko, an officer from the Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), shared insights into the organisation’s core functions and its commitment to supporting women and youth in the region.
Ayeko emphasised that KIE’s main objectives revolve around fostering economic empowerment through the provision of incubation centers, flexible loans, and loan guarantees, with a particular focus on women and youth.
He said these initiatives are aimed at nurturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and helping entrepreneurs overcome financial barriers to business success.
“KIE provides incubation centers where individuals can access the necessary resources, mentorship, and training to grow their businesses. Additionally, we offer very flexible loans to enable entrepreneurs to take their ventures to the next level,” Ayeko explained.
He also highlighted KIE’s loan guarantee programmes, which are designed to make it easier for women and youth to access financing from financial institutions, even if they lack traditional collateral.
The officer said that this initiative is part of KIE’s broader strategy to create inclusive opportunities for marginalised groups and ensure that women and youth have the necessary support to build sustainable livelihoods.
Ayeko explained that KIE is committed to helping women develop the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in business, saying through its advisory services, the organisation offers tailored guidance, mentorship, and strategic support to women entrepreneurs, helping them build sustainable businesses and make informed decisions.
“Our business advisory services are designed to provide women in West Pokot with the tools they need to succeed in their ventures. This includes capacity building in key areas such as business planning, marketing, financial management, and accessing market opportunities,” said Ayeko.
He further emphasised that KIE’s goal is not just to offer loans but to ensure that women are well-equipped to manage their businesses effectively, ensuring long-term success.
Adding that beyond the core business advisory services, KIE also offered soft skills training, focusing on group dynamics, financial management, and strategies for achieving business success.
Ayeko highlighted that many of the women in the programme were part of self-help groups, and the training specifically addressed how they could work together more effectively to achieve collective goals.
“Understanding group dynamics is crucial for women who are working in groups. We provided them with the tools to foster better communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution within their groups, ensuring they can work together towards common objectives,” he explained.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the practical skills gained, which they believe will make a significant difference in their business ventures.
Many of them shared how the financial management lessons would help them better manage their income, while the group dynamics training would enhance their collaboration and collective success.
The programme has proved to be an essential resource for women in West Pokot, providing them with the tools needed to succeed in the competitive business world and strengthen their communities.
By Agneta Chebet
