WIDU Kenya Quarterly Update - October to December 2024
As we step into 2025, we take a moment to reflect on a remarkable final quarter of 2024. WIDU Kenya continued to make strong strides in supporting entrepreneurs, deepening diaspora engagement, and building partnerships that drive long-term impact.
Read more: https://widu.africa/WIDUKenya-October-September-2024-Updates
WIDU Kenya at a glance
Between October and December 2024, WIDU Kenya disbursed €1.86 million in grants, while diaspora donors and entrepreneurs mobilized €1.74 million in private investment. We approved 1,212 projects, each creating an average of 3.21 new jobs, with 55% of these opportunities benefiting women.
In total, 2,775 coaching sessions were delivered, achieving a 97% satisfaction rate. Entrepreneurs recorded a 163% average income increase, showing just how transformative the WIDU model continues to be for small businesses across Kenya.
Strengthening the Ecosystem
In October, WIDU Kenya contributed to the launch of a groundbreaking report on SACCOs and International Remittances, produced by IFAD, FSD Kenya, and SASRA. The research highlights the untapped potential of SACCOs in offering remittance-linked investment services. WIDU was featured as a case study for successfully channeling remittances into small business development—highlighting how financial inclusion can be expanded through strategic partnerships and digital innovation.
At the GIZ Partners in Transformation Desk Workshop, WIDU joined ecosystem players to co-create solutions to challenges faced by MSMEs. Ideas from this session will shape future coaching strategies and support structures for entrepreneurs.
A Milestone Agreement
A key achievement this quarter was the signing of the Technical Implementation Agreement between GIZ WIDU and the Government of Kenya, represented by the National Treasury and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs. This agreement formalizes collaboration efforts to deepen diaspora involvement in supporting MSMEs, laying the groundwork for even greater impact in 2025.
Spotlight: Uzwela Medical Centre
One of our featured projects is Uzwela Medical Centre, founded by Christine Kerubo and her diaspora partner, Widney Nkere from Germany. With WIDU support, Christine transformed her vision into a fully licensed health facility serving Mwiki, Nairobi.
The grant enabled her to equip the center, register the business, and hire a team of five. Uzwela now includes a pharmacy and has expanded services to meet rising community health needs. This project contributes directly to SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Celebrating Diaspora Impact
In December, WIDU proudly supported the inaugural Jamhuri Diaspora Awards, hosted by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs. Among the honorees was Prof. Seronei Cheison, a long-time WIDU ambassador recognized for mobilizing diaspora-led development in Kenya.
Our engagement also extended to AKDBL’s investment webinar in Belgium and the Jamhuri Day celebrations in France, where WIDU showcased how diaspora members can effectively support businesses back home through our platform.
Let’s continue building on this momentum...Together!
👉 Read more: https://widu.africa/WIDUKenya-October-September-2024-Updates