Kwale: Equity Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment through the Fanikisha Programme, as 74 women graduated from a business and financial literacy training initiative in Kwale County.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event, which drew over 260 participants, was graced by Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, who lauded the partnership between the county government and Equity Bank, describing it as instrumental in uplifting women and strengthening household incomes. Achani emphasized the need for equipping women with business knowledge, skills, and mentorship to sustainably grow their enterprises.
The governor noted that Equity Bank has been a key partner to the county government, supporting education through scholarships, facilitating county payments, and offering tailored financial products for women entrepreneurs. She praised the bank’s continued engagement in transformative partnerships that positively impact lives in Kwale County.
Moses Nyabanda, Managing Director of Equity Bank Kenya, highlighted the relaunch of the Fanikisha Programme in Kwale as a renewed focus on empowering women-led enterprises. Nyabanda stated that nearly 60 percent of the bank’s customers are women, and the goal is to uplift communities by ensuring women have access to affordable credit, business training, and digital financial solutions.
The revamped Fanikisha Programme, relaunched in January, provides women entrepreneurs with tailored loans, business education, and access to digital banking platforms. Beneficiaries shared testimonies of transformation, attributing their business growth to Equity Bank’s support. Anastasia Mghoi, a tailor from Mombasa, recounted how an Equity loan enabled her to purchase her first sewing machine, leading to the growth of her business.
Beth Wanjiru, another beneficiary from Ukunda, shared how Equity Bank’s support helped her start a business after losing her job in the hospitality sector. She emphasized the welcoming nature of Equity officers and the bank’s support in providing a crucial financial lifeline.
The Fanikisha Programme focuses on equipping women with financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and access to credit, enabling them to grow sustainable enterprises and contribute to local economic development. Both the Kwale county government and Equity Bank reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership to reach more women, positioning Kwale as a benchmark for women-led economic empowerment in Kenya.