Women chamas across Western Kenya now have an opportunity to expand their enterprise by tapping on a new initiative that seeks to empower them through digital and financial literacy.

This follows the launch of Wezesha Mama, a fresh undertaking by Safaricom PLC's M-PESA Foundation aiming at fostering the inclusion of women in growth and development.

In an update on Wednesday, Safaricom PLC said women chamas across western Kenya will gain from entrepreneurship training, access to digital tools and financial literacy.

"We are proudly walking alongside women, empowering them on their journey to truly thrive," a statement from the Foundation noted. 

This launch marks the beginning of deeper, impactful partnerships, celebrating the great potential of women in the region and investing directly in their future, added the organization.

The launch is part of a suite of activities lined up by Safaricom PLC M-PESA Sokoni caravan that is traversing different zones in western Kenya this week as the Foundation marks 15 years of social impact.

Overall, Wezesha Mama aims to empower over 500 women chamas in Kenya, offering them financial and digital literacy training, business development and planning support.

Registered groups will also be learning modern marketing strategies, branding, and product improvement. What's more, M-PESA Foundation will be offering grants to top-performing chamas.

According to the Foundation, at the end of the year-long programme, the top three groups from five regions in Kenya will be awarded KES500,000, KES 300,000, and KES 200,000 in grants respectively, towards supporting their enterprises. 

Additionally, the participating groups will also become part of the M-PESA Mama Network, which is countrywide network of women entrepreneurs committed to shared growth and peer learning.

[email protected]