THE Kiambu government has taken a significant step towards empowering young entrepreneurs, particularly women in horticulture, through a strategic engagement with the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction to explore partnership opportunities.
The high-level meeting brought together county executive for agriculture Susan Gatwiri, chief officer Benson Ndung'u, and IIRR Africa regional director Pamela Katooro to discuss implementation of the EASETRADE MSME digital infrastructure lending project
The EASETRADE initiative focuses on providing young entrepreneurs, especially women in horticulture, with access to digital infrastructure and lending facilities that will enable them to scale their businesses and improve their market access.
The project represents a modern approach to agricultural financing, leveraging technology to bridge the gap between small-scale farmers and financial services.
Gatwiri highlighted the county's commitment to supporting youth and women in agriculture.
“Kiambu county is the horticultural hub of Kenya, and we recognise that our young people, particularly women, face significant challenges in accessing capital and market information,” she said.
The partnership with IIRR through the EASETRADE project will provide them with the digital tools and financial support they need to thrive in the competitive horticultural sector, she added.
Ndung'u emphasized the transformative potential of the project. "We have seen firsthand how limited access to credit stifles the growth of MSMEs in our agricultural value chains. The EASETRADE digital lending platform will not only provide financing, but also equip our young entrepreneurs with the digital literacy and business skills necessary for sustainable growth. This is about creating a generation of agri-preneurs who can compete both locally and internationally," the chief officer said.
Katooro expressed IIRR's enthusiasm about partnering with Kiambu county. "The International Institute of Rural Reconstruction has a long history of working with communities across Africa to build resilient agricultural systems. Kiambu's progressive approach and strong horticultural base, makes it an ideal partner for the EASETRADE project. We are particularly excited about the focus on women entrepreneurs, as empowering women in agriculture has proven multiplier effects on household income and food security," she said.
The partnership is expected to benefit hundreds of young entrepreneurs across the county, with a particular focus on women-led horticultural enterprises.
Both parties agreed to develop a detailed implementation framework, with pilot activities expected to commence in the near future.
This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Kiambu county's efforts to modernize its agricultural sector and create inclusive economic opportunities for the youth.
