Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
In Africa, women are driving entrepreneurship, with 25% engaged in entrepreneurial activities (OECD). Yet, most women-owned businesses remain informal, hindered by structural barriers from scaling or accessing industrial markets. In Kenya, women represent only 16% of the manufacturing workforce (ILO), with limited presence in leadership roles. The Women In Manufacturing (WIM) Programme is critical—not just for equity, but for fueling economic growth, innovation, and industrial resilience.
Despite global progress in educational parity, women still face unequal opportunities in the workforce, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing (UN Women). WIM is rewriting this narrative by empowering women through skills development, networking, mentorship, advocacy, and access to opportunities.
16%
Women in Kenya's Manufacturing Workforce
1 in 4
African Women in Entrepreneurial Activity
2017
WIM Programme Launch Year
About the WIM Programme
Launched in 2017, WIM Programme is a strategic initiative housed within Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). It brings together women-owned, women-led, and women-founded businesses; as well as women professionals across the manufacturing value chain.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: To unlock opportunities for women to enter, advance, and lead in the manufacturing sector; and to ensure their products and services reach markets at the local, regional, and global level.
We do this by advocating for equity, dismantling systemic barriers, and building a network that fuels competitiveness, visibility, and shared growth.
Why WIM Matters
Despite significant contributions, women remain underrepresented in manufacturing, facing barriers in leadership, financing, markets, and upskilling. We believe that diverse industrial ecosystems are not just fair but also smarter, more resilient, and future-fit.
Through WIM, we are building a Kenya where women industrialists thrive; where the next generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers includes her.
WIM Activities Include
From boardrooms to factory floors, WIM unlocks access and agency through:
Annual WIM Gala Dinner & Awards
Held annually during International Women's Month in March, the Gala Dinner & Awards celebrates excellence, innovation, and leadership among women in manufacturing, spotlighting success stories and growing visibility for women-led enterprises.
WIM-to-Counties Forums
Taking WIM to the regions. Forums across 7 regions bring women manufacturers, county governments and support organisations together to unlock local opportunities and collaboration.
WIM Product Parades
A showcase platform where women-led enterprises display their products to buyers, partners and the wider public, opening doors to new markets.
WIM Factory Visits
Gain exclusive access to Kenya's leading manufacturing facilities for first-hand exposure to operations, innovation and leadership in practice.
WIM Fireside Chats
Intimate conversations with industry leaders and trailblazing women who share their journeys, lessons and practical insights to inspire your own path.
STEM: Empowering Young Women in Industry
Inspiring and equipping the next generation of young women to pursue science, technology, engineering and manufacturing careers.
Training, Capacity Building & Thematic Sensitization Sessions
Targeted sessions on business development, industrial processes, leadership and key sector themes, tailored to help you scale your enterprise and lead with confidence.
WIM Mentorship Programmes
Learn from experienced women in manufacturing who have walked the path before you, with guidance, encouragement and practical knowledge for your growth.
Join the Mentorship Programme →Governance: Steering Committees & WIM Caucus
Quarterly WIM Steering Committee and WIM Caucus meetings guide the direction of the programme and carry members’ voices into policy advocacy.
2026 WIM Awards Winners
Celebrating the women who are leading, innovating and transforming Kenya's manufacturing sector.
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What's in it for You?
As a member of the Women in Manufacturing (WIM) Programme, you become part of a dynamic network committed to inclusion, innovation, and industrial transformation.
Grow Your Business
Access opportunities to expand your market reach, connect with peers across the value chain, and explore collaborations that fuel enterprise growth.
Strengthen Your Leadership
Benefit from training, mentorship, and forums that sharpen your leadership capabilities; positioning you to lead confidently in a competitive sector.
Gain Visibility and Recognition
Raise your profile within the manufacturing ecosystem through events and awards that spotlight your work.
Expand Your Network
Join a community of manufacturers, industry leaders, policymakers, and supporters committed to inclusive industrial growth. Build connections that open doors.
Shape Policy
Contribute your voice to advocacy efforts that influence policies and create a more enabling environment for women-led enterprises.
Access Knowledge and Resources
Stay informed on industry trends, best practices, and opportunities through our knowledge-sharing platforms, research, and tailored insights.
Belong to a Supportive Community
Be part of a growing movement that empowers women, nurtures collaboration, and provides a safe space for learning, exchange, and mutual growth.
Ready to Join Us?
There is a place for you in the WIM Network! Join a growing community that is unlocking opportunities, building capacity, and reshaping Kenya's industrial future; one woman at a time.
Do you have a question or an idea? We would love to hear from you. Email us at wim@kam.co.ke