KWALE, November 13, 2025 — The women and youth of Kwale County are set to benefit from new opportunities after the county entered a collaboration with Equity Bank Kenya, aimed at supporting local enterprises, agriculture, and skills development.
For many residents, turning ideas and ambition into sustainable livelihoods has been challenging due to limited access to financing and business support. The new partnership seeks to bridge this gap, helping women and youth build structured businesses, grow farming ventures, and strengthen the county’s economy.
The collaboration was discussed during a meeting between Governor Fatuma Mohamed Achani, Equity Bank Managing Director Moses Nyabanda, and Board Director Samuel Mwale. The discussion focused on practical ways to empower communities and create pathways for residents to translate skills and talent into income-generating ventures.
Governor Achani highlighted the county’s ongoing efforts to formalize women’s enterprises.
“We’ve helped over 300 women groups register companies, but we need a financial partner to help us manage the revolving fund that supports them,” she said. “Our focus now is on helping women grow their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the county’s economy.”
She added that while the county has long invested in education through scholarships and bursaries, economic empowerment for women and youth is the next critical step. Access to finance, training, and mentorship will be key to turning skills into viable businesses and long-term livelihoods.
Nyabanda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting these initiatives, emphasizing the impact on women and youth.
“Women are forming companies, creating jobs, and building confidence. With our support, these businesses can grow and make a real difference in the local economy,” he said.
He added that Equity Bank’s programs help informal groups transition into structured, self-sustaining enterprises while linking education to entrepreneurship, ensuring residents can transform knowledge into economic opportunities.
Board Director Mwale noted that Kwale’s fertile land, mineral deposits, and blue economy provide further opportunities for sustainable growth.
“For too long, we’ve spoken of potential. Now, it’s time to turn that potential into real opportunity. Kwale County is ready, and we are proud to be part of that transformation,” he said.
Governor Achani welcomed the support, noting ongoing county investments in irrigation, dam construction, and deep-sea fishing, and invited Equity Bank to help scale up these initiatives.
The partnership will focus on sustainable financing for women, youth employment programs, and agricultural value-chain development. For the women and youth of Kwale, it represents more than funding—it is a chance to turn hard work, ambition, and talent into lasting opportunities that benefit the wider community.