Kenyan Women's Initiative for Waste Entrepreneurship and Sustainability
The Kenyan Women’s Initiative for Waste Entrepreneurship & Sustainability (KWIWES) is a groundbreaking program designed to empower women in Kisumu, Kakamega, and Maseno to become leaders in waste management and entrepreneurship.
Through a combination of intensive training, personalized mentorship, access and linkages to potential investors and funding, KWIWES equips women with the necessary tools and skills to launch and grow sustainable waste-based businesses, drive economic opportunity, and create a cleaner, healthier environment for their communities.
The Initiative will create a stronger, more interconnected entrepreneurship ecosystem in the western region of Kenya by fostering necessary 21st-century skills in women, building capacities in trainers to teach waste entrepreneurship and in participants to start viable businesses in the necessary waste management sector, therefore increasing employment opportunities and bolstering economic development in the region.
Our Program Approach
Training of Trainers (ToT) Program
A 3-day training intensive for 10 Trainers who will be taught entrepreneurship and waste management principles. This will build capacities in trainers to independently equip future generations of entrepreneurs.
Waste Entreprenuership Intensive
The Waste Entrepreneurship Intensive (WEI) in-person 3-day training intensive for women in waste facilitated by Homeless of Kisumu, The Startup Bug, M-taka and supported by graduates of the Training of Trainers. Participants will learn entrepreneurship and waste management principles for business development in which they will brainstorm and grow their own innovations and improve existing interventions.
Mentorship & Post Program Support
Post-intensive, Homeless of Kisumu, The Startup Bug and M-taka will facilitate mentorship sessions between mentors and the participants and enable access and linkage to potential investors and funding.
Homeless of Kisumu
Homeless of Kisumu is a registered non-profit organization based in Kisumu County, dedicated to empowering vulnerable children, youth, and women. Established in 2020, our mission is to improve the well-being of vulnerable groups through comprehensive programs in social protection, sustainable livelihoods, and climate action.By addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable livelihoods, we strive to break the cycle of poverty, foster economic growth, and protect the environment.
The Startup Bug is an American organization based in Austin, Texas. They have built entrepreneurial skills and capacities for over 1700 individuals across 14 countries and 5 continents.
The Startup Bug facilitates a masterclass in entrepreneurship education, bringing the experience of startup life to you in a fun, collaborative, and dynamic environment.
The entrepreneurial spirit is infectious. Being exposed to it can change your life. It will make you more ambitious, mission-driven, and confident in business, leadership, and in your relationships. We strive to ensure as many people as possible have access to this mindset.
M-taka is a pioneering social impact recycling venture located in Kisumu, Kenya, on the shores of Lake Victoria. We’re on a mission to revolutionize waste management and recycling to create a cleaner, more sustainable future. We leverage technology, data analytics, and social incentives to build a sustainable zero-waste circular economy. Our M-taka App makes recycling easy and rewarding, inspiring individuals and businesses to become environmental champions.
We dignify waste work by empowering youth and women, supporting waste workers, and educating communities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for our planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
KWIWES is the Kenyan Women’s Initiative for Waste Entrepreneurship & Sustainability. It is a program designed to empower women in Kisumu, Kakamega, and Vihiga Counties to become leaders in waste management and entrepreneurship.
The program is open to motivated individuals with experience in waste management, entrepreneurship, or training facilitation. A passion for empowering women and a commitment to sustainability are essential.
The KWIWES Training of Trainers program will take place in February 2024 and the applications will be open in December 2023.You can find application details on the Homeless of Kisumu website and social media platforms.
The training will be a 3 day intensive and require full-time participation.
The training sessions will be a mix of interactive workshops, lectures, group work, individual exercises, and peer observations. We will also provide opportunities for practice teaching and feedback.
The Waste Entrepreneurship Intensive is the core training component of the Kenyan Women’s Initiative for Waste Entrepreneurship & Sustainability (KWIWES) program. It’s a 3-day intensive training program with post program and mentorship support designed to equip women in Kisumu, Kakamega, and Maseno in Kenya with the necessary skills and knowledge to launch and grow successful waste-based businesses.
The physical component of the program will be held in Kisumu with several virtual and site interactions for the participants.
The program will start in February 2024 with the Training of Trainers training. There will be an official launch in March then the Waste Entrepreneurship Intensive , followed by the eight-week virtual mentorship program.
There is no cost to participate in the KWIWES program. All training materials, and meals will be provided.