A major women-focused economic programme has launched in western Kenya, where the M-Pesa Foundation has introduced Wezesha Mama, an initiative aiming to equip over 500 women's chamas with business training, digital literacy, and access to financial tools.
The launch, which took place this week in the Greater Western region, forms part of a broader effort to enhance community development through women's economic empowerment.
It includes tailored sessions on entrepreneurship, financial management, and modern marketing techniques, all aimed at supporting grassroots groups to formalise and grow their businesses.
According to the Foundation, groups that participate in the year-long programme will also be considered for competitive grants of Sh500,000, Sh300,000, and Sh200,000, awarded to the top three performers in each of the five regions.
Registered chamas will also benefit from mentorship, branding guidance, and exposure to digital platforms that can expand their customer base.
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While announcing the rollout, a representative from the M-Pesa Foundation described the programme’s long-term goal:
“This isn’t just an initiative—it’s a long-term investment in the future of women in this region. By equipping them with the tools to build and sustain their businesses, Wezesha Mama is fostering a new wave of confident, capable entrepreneurs who will transform their communities from the ground up," the foundation said.
The launch is part of a week-long M-Pesa Sokoni caravan organised by Safaricom PLC to mark 15 years of the Foundation’s social impact across Kenya.
Throughout the week, various activities are scheduled to engage women-led groups in training, resource sharing, and digital integration.
In a public update released on Wednesday, Safaricom PLC confirmed the scope of support that women in the western counties will receive through the initiative.
"We are proudly walking alongside women, empowering them on their journey to truly thrive."
The Foundation noted that the start of the programme marks a shift towards deeper engagements with community groups, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusion.
"This launch marks the beginning of deeper, impactful partnerships, celebrating the great potential of women in the region and investing directly in their future," added the organisation.
In addition to direct training and grants, participating chamas will be enrolled into the M-Pesa Mama Network, a nationwide platform bringing together female entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and collectively grow their businesses.
By targeting women at the grassroots and coupling skills training with financial support, Wezesha Mama seeks to address barriers that have long held back local enterprise.
The programme aligns with the Foundation’s wider agenda of fostering inclusive economic resilience, especially in regions where opportunities for women have remained limited.
