Twenty-five women and youth entrepreneurs developing climate-smart and sustainable business solutions were recognised at the Biashara Pawa Awards in Nakuru on Thursday.
The awards recognised entrepreneurs working in manufacturing, agriculture, financial services and the blue economy, highlighting innovations that promote environmental sustainability, create jobs and address community challenges.
Four overall winners were announced during the event after being selected through an independent judging process that assessed leadership, business growth, innovation, community impact and future potential.
Among those recognised was Nancy Matheri, whose innovation transforms waste into a metal composite water filter capable of removing fluoride from drinking water without affecting its taste, addressing both environmental sustainability and public health.
Sila Ooko, chairman of the Juafarm Umoja Youth Group, was honoured for promoting hydroponics and aquaponics as climate-smart farming technologies that offer alternative approaches to food production.
Karen Mwangi was recognised for manufacturing leather products from locally sourced Kenyan leather, supporting value addition in the country's leather industry.
Serah Ndungu was also honoured for connecting more than 520 women creatives in Nakuru County with financial institutions and skills development programmes to support business growth.
"The entrepreneurs we are celebrating are proving that innovation is not limited by geography, gender or sector," said Nduta Ndirangu, Project Manager at SNV.
"Across Kenya, we are seeing women and young people building businesses that create employment, strengthen communities and solve pressing development challenges."
The awards focused on entrepreneurs working in sectors where women and young people have traditionally had limited participation while highlighting businesses developing solutions in clean water, sustainable manufacturing and climate-smart agriculture.
The event brought together entrepreneurs, county leaders, development partners, investors and other stakeholders.
