Eldoret hosted a pivotal event aimed at empowering grassroots entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Over 100 entrepreneurs, government officials, and industry leaders gathered to participate in the “Biashara Pawa Dialogue Series: The Power of Mentoring in Entrepreneurship,” held at EldoHub.
This dynamic dialogue served as a platform to address structural barriers faced by women- and youth-led businesses operating in critical but often marginalized sectors, including manufacturing, green and circular economy, agribusiness, technology, blue economy, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene).
Chepkemoi Magdaline, Founder and Executive Director of EldoHub, underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in decentralizing access to business support.
“We hope to encourage collaboration and innovation through the partnerships we have built with SNV, the government, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” she stated.
Magdaline emphasized the vital role of local innovation hubs in providing mentorship, promoting digital inclusion, and developing targeted skills to support entrepreneurs.
The event convened a coalition of key support institutions, including the Uasin Gishu County Government, the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations (KNFJKA), and Responsible Business Consulting (RBC).
Nduta Ndirangu of SNV highlighted the significant return on investment that mentorship provides.
“A mentor may not solve every challenge but can guide entrepreneurs to think critically and make better decisions,” she explained. “When entrepreneurs grow, their communities and economies flourish.”
Nelson Ajala, Multi-Country Program Manager for IYBA-SEED at SNV, reaffirmed the program’s dedication to strengthening enterprise support systems tailored for women and youth, fostering inclusive growth.
A key outcome of the dialogue was the establishment of sector-specific breakout learning labs. These peer-to-peer sessions addressed challenges such as market validation, financial literacy, compliance, and customer retention.
The event also celebrated green enterprises participating in the IYBA-SEED Regional Expansion for SEEDs in the Green Industry, highlighting local founders committed to sustainability and circular economy principles.
By connecting 115 local founders to mentors, institutional networks, and peer support systems, EldoHub and its partners have reinforced Eldoret’s reputation as a vibrant hub of innovation and enterprise within Kenya’s rapidly evolving digital and economic landscape.
