Four Uasin Gishu entrepreneurs honoured for innovation as stakeholders push for greater support

The entrepreneurs were honoured during the Biashara Pawa Dialogue Series held in Eldoret on Thursday. The forum brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers and business support organisations to discuss challenges facing small businesses and ways to strengthen entrepreneurship in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and the creative economy.

Speaking at the event, EldoHub Founder and Executive Director Magdaline Chepkemoi said entrepreneurship remains a key driver of job creation and inclusive economic growth, particularly among women and young people.

"The Biashara Pawa Dialogue Series is about recognising entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities within their communities. These business owners are innovators, employers and role models whose work demonstrates what is possible when entrepreneurs are given the right support," she said.

Nduta Ndirangu, Project Manager for the IYBA-SEED Business Environment for Youth Employment programme, said entrepreneurs require sustained support to grow their businesses and create more employment opportunities.

"The entrepreneurial journey can be lonely, but platforms such as this help recognise those who are creating jobs and opening opportunities for others. Women and youth remain central to Kenya's economy, and supporting their businesses is essential for inclusive growth," she said.

Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea said entrepreneurship has an important role in tackling unemployment and stimulating local economic growth.

"Entrepreneurship is about solving problems, creating jobs and transforming lives. The entrepreneurs recognised today are an inspiration to others and demonstrate how innovative ideas can strengthen our local economy," he said.

The award recipients were Antonina Makoba of Makos Textile and Tailoring, Tom Obote Ondieki of Obote Mixed Farm, Faith Kinuthia of Afrostyled Crafts Centre and Constantine Jeptum Seroney of Josco Farm.

Makoba was recognised for supporting vulnerable women through tailoring and textile production, while Ondieki was honoured for developing a solar-powered egg incubator aimed at improving poultry production in areas with unreliable electricity.

Kinuthia received the award for producing handcrafted leather products, jewellery and accessories, while Seroney was recognised for providing seedlings, dairy products and agricultural consultancy services to farmers in Uasin Gishu County.

The Biashara Pawa Dialogue Series is part of the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa–Strengthening Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development (IYBA-SEED) programme, which supports women- and youth-led enterprises through business development, networking and market access initiatives.