Strathmore University Hosts Media Roundtable Ahead of the 2024 Annual SME Conference & Expo

On 17th September 2024, Strathmore University hosted a Media Roundtable, offering an exclusive preview of the 12th Annual SME Conference & Expo and announce the launch of the Women Entrepreneurship Incubator Program (WEIP). The conference, scheduled for 26th and 27th September 2024 at the Strathmore University Auditorium, will focus on empowering women entrepreneurs and tackling the challenges they face in scaling their businesses.

Speaking during the roundtable, Eunice Kimani, Head of the Strathmore Enterprise Development and Innovation Center (SEDIC) outlined the conference’s goal to provide women with the tools, insights, and support necessary for their ventures to thrive locally and globally. “We are committed to creating opportunities for women to succeed in today’s competitive landscape,” she emphasized.

Prof. Ruth Kiraka, Chair of the Annual SME Conference & Expo and Principal Investigator of the WEIP project, announced the launch of the Women Entrepreneurship Incubator Program (WEIP) which is set to take place on 26^th September 2024. Funded by USAID, WEIP is designed to empower Women-Owned Small and Growing Businesses (WO-SGBs) by breaking down barriers that limit their growth. The program offers resources, expert networks, and tailored training to women entrepreneurs in critical sectors like agriculture, textiles, healthcare, and water and sanitation. Professor Ruth Kiraka further highlighted the transformative impact of WEIP: “This program is not just about business growth—it’s about enabling women to become significant contributors to the economy. We are giving them the foundation and tools to scale their enterprises and overcome the market obstacles that stand in their way.”

Themed “Empowering Women, Building Futures: The Path to Success in Women-Owned SMEs”, the Conference is designed to provide a robust platform for women entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from industry experts. Participants will benefit from interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and panel discussions focused on developing practical strategies for sustainable business growth.

As the 2024 Annual SME Conference & Expo approaches, anticipation builds around its potential to ignite change within Kenya’s SME sector, particularly for women entrepreneurs. The conference is set to be a catalyst for innovation and empowerment, offering women the opportunity to connect, learn, and transform their businesses into long-term success stories.

With a focus on mentorship, capacity-building, and collaboration, the conference aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to overcome the unique challenges they face. This year’s event promises to be a game-changer for women-owned businesses, paving the way for greater economic inclusion and socio-economic development across Kenya and the region.

The Annual SME Conference & Expo is more than just an event—it’s a movement toward empowering women to break through barriers and achieve their full potential as entrepreneurs, leaders, and drivers of Kenya’s future growth. Learn more about the 12^th Annual SME Conference & Expo here

Article by Juliet Hinga