Employment of women and youth in Kenya: A sectoral analysis

Women and youth are central to Kenya’s nation building, representing over 70% of the population and serving as key drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. However, systemic barriers, social norms, and unequal access to finance, skills, and markets continue to constrain their full participation, particularly in high-growth but underrepresented sectors.

The Investing in Young Businesses in Africa–Supporting Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development (IYBA-SEED) project, implemented by SNV, advances inclusive entrepreneurship through the Biashara Pawa initiative. Biashara Pawa serves as a national call to action, creating platforms for voice, visibility, capability, and action for women and youth entrepreneurs while strengthening Entrepreneurial Support Organisations (ESOs) and promoting sustainable, locally led entrepreneurship ecosystems.

This report provides sector-specific insights across eight underrepresented sectors supported under IYBA-SEED in Kenya: manufacturing and engineering; green and circular economy; agriculture and agribusiness; technology; financial services; infrastructure development; blue economy; and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

Drawing on ecosystem analysis, practitioner perspectives, and emerging enterprise experiences, the product highlights persistent challenges—including limited access to tailored finance, skills gaps, policy and regulatory constraints, informality, and gender and youth exclusion alongside promising opportunities for innovation, investment, and growth.

The report explores the current state of Kenya’s entrepreneurship landscape by sector, outlining key challenges and opportunities while informing action by policymakers, ecosystem actors, investors, and development partners to unlock the full potential of women and youth entrepreneurship.

visit the IYBA-SEED project page