Governor Susan Kihika’s Wezesha Biashara Fund has been lauded for unlocking opportunities.

Nakuru Chief Executive Member for Trade Stephen Kuria pointed out the transformative role the fund continues to play.

According to Kuria, this is a fund that is unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs.

The CECM encouraged women and youth to continue applying for support through the Enterprise Fund and Cooperative Fund, noting that the County Government remains committed to providing affordable credit and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

The CECM was speaking on Thursday August 28 when County Government of Nakuru officials joined stakeholders and key partners in Biashara Power Dialogue Series forum.

The forum involved women and youth in entrepreneurship,under the theme “Women and Youth in National Building-from ideas to impact.” to discuss and explore areas of partnership that can empower them.

The aim of the forum was to chart a way forward on how different sectors can support inclusive economic growth.

The conversations, organized by Nakuru Box, SNV and IYBA Seed hub, centered on empowering women, youth, and small businesses through targeted initiatives that improve access to finance, skills, and opportunities.

During the meeting, Governor Kihika was represented by County Executive Committee Members Stephen Kuria(Trade) Zipporah Wambui(Education) Leornard Bor(Agriculture).

They highlighted various opportunities in government that can empower youth and women grow in their businesses hence improving their livelihoods.

CECM  Wambui, underscored the role of Vocational Training and Digital Centers in equipping young people with practical skills to match market needs.

She noted that by expanding access to digital infrastructure and technical training through capitation of Kshs 30,000 per trainee supported by Governor Kihika, the county is building a future-ready workforce that can participate in modern enterprise and innovation.

CECM Bor on his part spoke on the central role of agriculture in empowering women and youth.

He noted that agriculture remains the largest employer in the county and highlighted the importance of modernizing value chains, providing market linkages, and supporting agribusiness initiatives that allow young people to see farming as a profitable venture.

The meeting reaffirmed the County Government of Nakuru’s commitment to a multi-sectoral approach in uplifting residents through trade, education, agriculture, and cooperative development. By working together, leaders pledged to ensure that women and youth remain at the heart of programs that transform livelihoods and drive the county’s economic future.

The forum was also attended by Chief Officers Catherine Changwony (ICT, E-Governance and Public communications), Abuki Alice ( Resource Mobilization), Josphat Kimemia( Ag. Youths and Sports), Directors, and stakeholders.