Kiambu County, IIRR partner to empower youth and women in horticulture with digital lending and business skills

Kiambu County has initiated talks with the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) to strengthen opportunities for young entrepreneurs, particularly women in horticulture, through the EASETRADE MSME digital infrastructure lending project.

The meeting brought together County Executive for Agriculture Susan Gatwiri, Chief Officer for Agriculture Benson Ndung’u, and IIRR Africa Regional Director Pamela Bella Nyamutoka Katooro to explore the partnership.

EASETRADE seeks to provide women and youth with digital infrastructure and access to affordable credit, helping them expand horticultural enterprises and improve market access.

“Kiambu County is the horticultural hub of Kenya, but our young people, especially women, face challenges accessing capital and market information. This project will give them tools to thrive,” said Gatwiri.

Chief Officer Ndung’u highlighted the project’s transformative potential: “The digital lending platform will equip our entrepreneurs with financing, digital literacy, and business skills to compete locally and globally.”

IIRR Regional Director Katooro applauded Kiambu’s progressive approach, noting that empowering women in agriculture creates ripple effects on income and food security.

The collaboration is expected to benefit hundreds of youth-led and women-led enterprises across the county, with a detailed implementation framework and pilot activities set to begin soon.