The women and youth of Kwale County are set to benefit from new opportunities after the county entered a collaboration with Equity Bank Kenya, aimed at supporting local enterprises, agriculture, and skills development.

Despite its rich natural resources and vibrant population, Kwale County continues to face high unemployment, limited access to credit, and underutilized agricultural potential.

To address these challenges, Governor Fatuma Mohamed Achani met with Equity Bank Managing Director Moses Nyabanda and Board Director Samuel Mwale to explore ways of supporting residents in turning ideas into sustainable livelihoods.

Governor Achani praised Equity Bank for its longstanding involvement in education through scholarships and bursaries. She noted that the county is now shifting focus to economic empowerment, particularly for women, to complement its earlier investments in education.

“Equity Bank has been our major stakeholder, especially in matters of scholarships and bursaries,” said Governor Achani. “

Now, we’re focusing on empowering women through business. We’ve helped over 300 women groups register companies, but we need a financial partner to help us manage the revolving fund that supports them.”

The governor emphasized that formalizing women’s groups into companies is only the first step. Access to financing, mentorship, and training are critical to ensuring these enterprises grow, create jobs, and contribute to the county’s economy.

Nyabanda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Kwale’s communities, noting that Equity Bank has been present in the region since 2007 with a focus on uplifting local residents.

“Women are forming companies, creating jobs, and building confidence. With our support, we can grow these businesses and boost the county’s economy,” he said.

He added that the bank’s programs help informal groups transition into structured, self-sustaining enterprises while linking education with entrepreneurship, ensuring residents can translate knowledge and skills into income-generating activities.

Board Director Mwale highlighted the county’s rich farmland, mineral deposits, and blue economy potential as avenues for creating sustainable livelihoods for residents.

“For too long, we’ve spoken of potential. Now, it’s time to turn that potential into real opportunity. Kwale County is ready, and we are proud to be part of that transformation,” he said.

Governor Achani welcomed the partnership, noting ongoing county investments in irrigation, dam construction, and deep-sea fishing, and inviting Equity Bank to collaborate in scaling up these initiatives.

Both parties agreed to focus on sustainable financing models for women, youth employment programs, and agricultural value-chain development.

The renewed partnership marks a step toward translating Kwale County’s resources and population potential into real opportunities that benefit the people themselves, strengthening livelihoods and local economic growth.