
On December 11, 2024, the Women Entrepreneurship Incubator Program (WEIP) Selection Day took place, spotlighting the potential of women entrepreneurs in Kenya. Over 100 entrepreneurs gathered to pitch their businesses, aiming for a spot in one of Kenya’s new incubation programs. The energy in the room was filled with excitement, but what stood out most was the focus on real solutions—businesses that go beyond profit to address pressing challenges in our communities.
The day began with 5-minute pitches from entrepreneurs across Nairobi and Kiambu County, showcasing businesses in Agri-business & Agro-processing, Textiles & Apparel, Healthcare and Water & Sanitation. These were purpose-driven ventures tackling everyday issues with sustainable solutions like accessible healthcare and improved farming practices.
The Judges’ Focus
What set this Selection Day apart was the judges’ emphasis on scalability and impact. They were not just looking for businesses that could turn a profit—they sought ventures with real growth potential. The judges posed tough questions about business models, sustainability, and community impact. Could these entrepreneurs scale their businesses? Were they addressing critical problems effectively?
The competition was intense, but the entrepreneurs rose to the challenge. Each pitch showcased not just market understanding but also a commitment to solving real-world problems. Grounded in research and practical solutions, the businesses had clear and actionable plans for growth.
Kenya’s Entrepreneurial Landscape
While Kenya’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive—with Nairobi’s startups alone accounting for approximately 1.1% of Kenya’s GDP in 2024—women entrepreneurs still face significant barriers, particularly in accessing funding and mentorship. Women-led businesses, despite representing over half the population, secure less than 7% of available funding.
This is where WEIP comes in. A partnership project between USAID and @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre, WEIP provides women entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding, and market linkages. The program aims to bridge the gap, empowering women to turn their businesses into sustainable ventures that can scale and shape Kenya’s economy.
The Top 60
At the end of the day, 60 entrepreneurs earned their place in WEIP’s Cohorts 1 and 2. These women will now receive tailored mentorship, capacity-building, and business development support. Of these, 18 will gain access to $1.27 million in co-investment grants to refine their business models, attract investors, and scale their ventures with meaningful impact.
If you were inspired by this highlight, it is time to act. Programs like WEIP exist to guide you through the entrepreneurial journey, helping you access the support, network, and resources you need. Whether you are pitching, building, or planning for the next step, there is a place for you in Kenya’s startup ecosystem.
For the 54 women who made it through, congratulations! Your dedication and hard work have paid off, but remember, this is just the beginning. For those who did not make it this time, do not be discouraged. Every setback is an opportunity to rise, learn, and come back even stronger. The journey does not end here – there is always a next step, a next opportunity, and who knows, a next cohort…
Keep pushing forward, and let’s continue shaping the future together!