Skills & Enterprise Development (SED)

Increasing income and creating employment

At a glance

Facts

Region: Western, Coast, Central Kenya

Period: 2018 - 2022

Donors: atDta Foundation, Christian Martin Foundation,  Mariano Foundation, Tarom Foundation,  associations and individuals

Context

Deepening income inequality and entrenched regional disparities hinder inclusive economic growth. Youth unemployment rate in Kenya avrages at 35%. Poor women and youth lack skills and access to capital and markets to grow a business and create jobs.

Project aim

Poor women and young people are enabled to grow their existing small businesses, raise their income, build a livelihood for themselves and their families, and create employment opportunities for others.

Strategy

The project provided women and young people with the business skills, networks, capital and self-confidence they need to run sustainable, income-earning businesses.

Achievements in 2017

• 262 women and youth attended trainings and coaching sessions at which they learned about business and financial management, marketing, and communication.
   

• 38 small enterprises, farms and production sites received loans for business expansion. 
   

• 95% business loan repayment rate.
   

• 32 stable new full-time jobs were created. 
   

• 85% of women report more effective  financial management within business and at home.
   

• Women business owners and employees report increased joint financial decision-making at household level.