Trade PS Regina Ombam has urged women entrepreneurs to take the lead in international trade, emphasizing the need to fully leverage regional, continental, and global opportunities.
Speaking on Wednesday at the inaugural Women in Export Trade Forum in Nairobi, she highlighted government support through training, guidance on market standards, and strategies to ensure women-led businesses compete successfully on the world stage.
The forum focused on educating women on opportunities in international trade, including guidance on compliance with market requirements and standards.
PS Ombam emphasized that effective participation in exports requires a clear understanding of regulatory frameworks, product standards, and strategic positioning to ensure competitiveness in global markets.
“The State Department will support women’s participation in international trade by educating women entrepreneurs on available opportunities, providing guidance on international market requirements and standards, and equipping them to ensure their products and services compete successfully on the global stage,” she said.
The forum provided a platform for women entrepreneurs to gain insights into international trade, share experiences, and network with business leaders and regulatory bodies.
Attendees received guidance on navigating complex trade regulations, accessing new markets, and leveraging government initiatives to grow their export businesses.
Key participants included CEOs Floice Mukabana from KEPROBA, Lucy Komen from WRSC, and KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari, signaling collaboration between government, trade associations, and regulatory institutions in supporting women-led enterprises.
The presence of these leaders highlighted the importance of partnerships in enhancing trade knowledge, market access, and entrepreneurial capacity among women.
The PS urged women to fully leverage the opportunities available in regional, continental, and international markets.
She stressed that the government’s initiatives aim to equip women entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and resources necessary to compete successfully while expanding their business reach.
The forum also addressed challenges that have traditionally limited women’s participation in exports, including access to finance, understanding of international regulations, and exposure to foreign markets.
Through workshops, advisory sessions, and engagement with regulatory bodies, women entrepreneurs were guided on overcoming these barriers to achieve sustainable growth in export trade.
This initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader economic strategies to promote inclusive growth, diversify exports, and strengthen the role of women in the economy.
By empowering women to participate fully in trade, the government aims to boost productivity, increase revenue, and enhance Kenya’s global trade profile.
Participants explored practical strategies for expanding business beyond local markets, including compliance with international standards, adoption of quality assurance practices, and engagement with trade networks.
These insights are expected to enhance women-led businesses’ competitiveness and sustainability in global trade.
PS Ombam emphasized that women entrepreneurs are essential to Kenya’s export growth and that their active engagement in international trade will contribute to economic development, job creation, and inclusive growth.
She encouraged female business owners to explore opportunities in regional and international markets actively.
The Women in Export Trade Forum sets a foundation for ongoing support and capacity building for women in trade.
By fostering collaboration between government agencies, trade associations, and entrepreneurs, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures women-led businesses and strengthens Kenya’s export sector.
Through initiatives such as this forum, the State Department for Trade aims to equip women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and resources required to expand their businesses successfully, compete in international markets, and contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s economic growth.
