WBI Collectives Graduation Ceremony - 30th July 2025
A Milestone Celebration: Women’s Business Collectives Graduate from WEE Hub’s Incubation Program
It was a day of joy and pride for the University of Nairobi's African Women's Studies Centre (AWSC) as the Women's Economic Empowerment Hub (WEE Hub) celebrated the graduation of women's business collectives from its Women's Business Incubation Program on 30th July 2025. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the journey of women entrepreneurs from across Kenya who have undergone intensive business incubation since 2022.
The ceremony, graced by Hon. Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, marked the culmination of a transformative journey for women-led enterprises from 9 counties across Kenya.
The event brought together key stakeholders in women's economic empowerment, with the University of Nairobi’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson's office, Research, Innovation and Enterprise represented. Prof. Jack Odhiambo, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences also graced the occasion.
Critical partners including the Kenya Industrial Research & Development Institute (KIRDI), Kenya Industrial Estates, and Sweet and Dried Enterprises - whose training and mentorship proved invaluable to the collectives' success joined the celebration, with the Women's Enterprise Fund (WEF) also represented.
It was a day of song, dance, and heartfelt gratitude as the chairladies and representatives of the graduating collectives expressed their appreciation to AWSC Director and WEE Hub Leader Prof. Wanjiku Kabira and the WEE Hub team for their unwavering support.
From Training to Transformation
Since 2022, the WEE Hub has walked alongside 12 women’s collectives from Kisumu, Kilifi, Kwale, Kajiado, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Kitui, and Busia and Turkana providing them with Value-addition training, Business skills and Mentorship from Sweet and Dried Enterprise.
At the event, the groups showcased and sold their products, demonstrating their readiness to compete in formal markets.
With certificates awarded, the collectives now embark on their mission to become model cottage industries in their regions. The WEE Hub reaffirmed its dedication to ongoing mentorship, market linkages, and policy advocacy to ensure their sustained success.