KNCCI President Dr. Eric Ruto and Chairlady KNCCI Women in Business Director Zainabu Mohamed presented the final AGPO review report and memorandum to the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of National Treasury & Economic Planning, Hon. FCPA John Mbadi John Mbadi, EGH at his office.

The CS expressed commitment to supporting women in business and ensuring the effective allocation of the 30% procurement share to targeted groups. He endorsed the recommendation for an AGPO fund to help women entrepreneurs overcome financial challenges in fulfilling awarded tenders.

A recent review conducted by the Women in Business Committee funded by ICR highlighted significant challenges, including limited awareness, barriers to formal registration, payment delays, and systemic corruption. In 2022/23, women-owned businesses secured 52.1% of AGPO tenders, but this represented only 16% of reserved funds and a mere 0.35% of total public procurement. Recommendations include creating an AGPO user friendly manual, enhancing capacity-building programs, enforcing payment timelines, and establishing an AGPO fund to support women who secure tenders but lack financial resources

The next step is the One-Stop Shop Strategy to support Women-owned Businesses (WOBs) in leveraging AGPO opportunities. The concept of a one-stop shop aligns with KNCCI’s objective to streamline support services for women entrepreneurs. This initiative envisions a centralised platform where women can access resources, training, technical assistance, and financial tools to leverage AGPO opportunities effectively.