The Council of Governors (COG) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s economic empowerment, pledging to strengthen county-level policies and procurement reforms that enable women-led enterprises to thrive across Kenya.
Speaking at the 2nd EmpowerHer Conference under the UAE–UN Women Strategic Partnership Framework (2024–2027), H.E. Dr. Moses Badilisha, Chairperson of COG’s Trade and Cooperatives Committee, highlighted how counties are increasingly using gender-responsive procurement as a key driver of economic growth.
“Gender responsive procurement is no longer a compliance exercise. It is an economic growth strategy. Through the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) Framework and county-level reforms, women-owned enterprises are increasingly participating in supply chains across sectors,” Dr. Badilisha said.
He explained that counties have deliberately broken down large tenders into smaller, more accessible lots, streamlined supplier registration processes, and improved payment timelines to ease cash flow challenges for small businesses.
Beyond procurement reforms, Dr. Badilisha emphasized broader enterprise development initiatives designed to strengthen women-led value chains and enhance competitiveness in local and regional markets. He noted that these interventions are anchored in both constitutional mandates and economic rationale.
“Economic empowerment is not a favour extended to women; it is a constitutional imperative and an economic necessity. Counties are committed to creating enabling environments where women entrepreneurs can start, formalize, scale and export,” he said.
The COG chairperson further underscored that women’s inclusion in economic activities is critical not just for gender equality but also for county and national growth. By creating supportive policies, counties aim to unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs across diverse sectors.
COG continues to partner with development organizations to institutionalize gender-responsive budgeting, expand market access, and build frameworks that ensure long-term economic inclusion for women in all 47 counties.
The conference, attended by county officials, women entrepreneurs, and development partners, provided a platform to share best practices and highlight successes in promoting women’s participation in county procurement and enterprise development.
As counties roll out these reforms, stakeholders are optimistic that increased participation of women-owned businesses in supply chains will enhance innovation, drive economic growth, and promote equitable development across Kenya.
 has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s economic empowerment, pledging to strengthen county-level policies and procurement reforms that enable women-led enterprises to thrive across Kenya.){kind=link}