More than 150 women entrepreneurs from Embu and Kirinyaga counties have graduated from a comprehensive Financial Literacy Programme run through Equity Bank’s Fanikisha women’s empowerment initiative, marking a significant step in the bank’s ongoing efforts to support women-led businesses across Kenya.
The graduation ceremony, which included an empowerment forum, equipped participants with essential practical skills in financial management, business planning, investment strategies, and enterprise growth. The training aims to help the women build resilient and sustainable businesses capable of thriving in competitive markets.
Fanikisha, Equity Bank’s flagship women’s empowerment solution, goes beyond traditional banking by offering a holistic ecosystem of support. Participants gain access to tailored financing, savings and investment products, mentorship, networking opportunities, entrepreneurship training, market linkages, and wellness support.
Speaking at the event, Kirinyaga University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mary Ndung’u, praised Equity Bank for its impactful approach that extends far beyond financial services.
“When I look at Fanikisha and the broad spectrum of opportunities it offers, I see encouragement, promise, commitment and faithfulness to a worthy cause. The barriers that once limited women’s participation in business are steadily being dismantled,” said Prof. Ndung’u.
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Fanikisha is structured to support women at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey through four specialized tiers:
-Shaba: Designed for start-up businesses operating for less than 12 months.
-Dhahabu: Targeted at businesses older than 12 months with annual turnover up to KSh 50 million.
-Almasi: For more established businesses (over 24 months) with turnover between KSh 51 million and KSh 800 million per annum.
-Platini: Aimed at large-scale women-led enterprises with turnover exceeding KSh 800 million.
Beyond financing, members enjoy exclusive benefits including affordable health cover from as low as KSh 5,800 per year, access to the Equity Mobile App and Equitel, PayPal withdrawals, premium cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), a dedicated One Equity Till Number for free payments, and e-commerce and trade opportunities.
