Kilifi County hosted its inaugural Women in Business and Leadership Conference on Friday, November 1st, bringing together a diverse mix of female business leaders, political figures, aspiring entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders. Operating under the theme “Catalyzing Women Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development,” the conference aimed to elevate women’s roles in business and leadership, inspire sustainable development, and foster personal and professional growth.
The event, which took place at Kilifi County Hall, was inaugurated by Deputy Governor Flora Chibule, who emphasized the importance of such gatherings in empowering women as change agents in society. “This conference offers a unique space for women to redefine their roles in the economic landscape, sharpen their leadership abilities, and achieve personal and professional growth,” Chibule stated in her opening address. She highlighted the event’s transformative vision, calling it a foundational step toward building a stronger and more inclusive economy driven by women’s participation and influence.
Attendees included women leaders and experts from various sectors—ranging from finance and agriculture to the blue and creative economies—making the event a multidisciplinary platform for meaningful dialogue, networking, and gaining insights from seasoned professionals.
Among the high-profile guests were H.E. Christine Kilalo, Deputy Governor of Taita Taveta County; H.E. David Wachira, Deputy Governor of Kirinyaga; Kilifi County First Lady Ms. Suzanne Mung’aro; and notable keynote speaker Madam Jane Isiaho, Director of Retail Banking at KCB Bank. The presence of leaders from other counties underscored the unity and collaborative spirit across Kenyan counties in supporting women in business and leadership.
The conference featured a series of panel discussions and workshops aimed at addressing both the challenges and opportunities women face in their entrepreneurial journeys. Discussion topics included navigating finance and investments and exploring opportunities in tourism, agriculture, sports, and the blue economy. One particularly engaging panel discussed how women entrepreneurs could harness the blue economy’s potential, with ideas on promoting sustainable fishing practices and tourism along the Kenyan coast. These panels highlighted the broad range of sectors where women’s entrepreneurial efforts are essential for long-term development.
Madam Jane Isiaho’s keynote address focused on the critical role of financial inclusivity and the need for a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. “Investing in women’s businesses is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage for Kenya’s economic growth,” she stated. She emphasized the importance of providing financial services tailored to women entrepreneurs, noting that many women-led businesses in Kenya struggle to access the necessary funding to scale their operations. Hon. Christine Mvurya, a respected leader in the business landscape, also shared insights on the importance of resilience and adaptability for women in today’s competitive economy.
The event also provided a unique networking platform, allowing women leaders, both established and aspiring, to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations. Participants from various counties discussed ways to overcome common challenges, such as access to capital, gender bias in leadership positions, and limited business networks.
“This conference has been eye-opening and empowering,” said Grace Mutua, an attendee and small business owner from Kilifi. “Meeting other women who share my aspirations and challenges and learning from those who have achieved success has encouraged me to think bigger and work harder.”
The event’s organizers included several exhibitions showcasing products and services from multiple industries. These exhibitions offered an additional platform for participants to explore partnerships, discover new markets, and exchange resources that could help expand their businesses. This interactive space allowed attendees to meet representatives from established companies, government agencies, and NGOs, all of whom offered advice and practical support for women entrepreneurs. Several businesses from the agriculture and creative sectors displayed their products, highlighting the diversity of industries in which women are making strides.
Kilifi County First Lady Ms. Suzanne Mung’aro, who also attended the conference, spoke passionately about her aspirations for future initiatives supporting women in business. “Seeing this level of participation from leaders and stakeholders not only from Kilifi but from other counties reflects the solidarity and commitment to empowering women across Kenya,” she stated. “It’s a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we unite toward common goals.”
The conference is already being celebrated as a milestone for Kilifi County, reflecting a vision for the future where women’s contributions are recognized and supported.
