The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has stepped up its youth empowerment drive with a series of engagements targeting young entrepreneurs in Kirinyaga County, focusing on unlocking opportunities in agribusiness and enterprise development.
The initiative, held in Kagio, brought together young agri-entrepreneurs for a practical discussion on business opportunities across key value chains, including dairy, coffee and horticulture. According to the bank, the forum aimed at equipping participants with insights on how to build sustainable and profitable ventures.
The sessions form part of the lender’s broader strategy to nurture entrepreneurship among the youth by offering guidance, financial literacy and access to relevant support systems. Participants were taken through real-world business challenges and opportunities, with a strong emphasis on value addition and market access.
In addition to sector-specific discussions, the bank also highlighted the importance of financial management and access to credit in scaling small enterprises. The forums provided a platform for young business owners to interact with financial experts and explore tailored banking solutions designed to support enterprise growth.
The engagement in Kirinyaga is part of a wider nationwide campaign by Co-op Bank aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs through training and mentorship. The programme has seen similar forums rolled out across different regions, targeting youth involved in agribusiness and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Stakeholders noted that such initiatives are critical in addressing youth unemployment by promoting self-employment and innovation, particularly in agriculture, which remains a key pillar of the local economy.
By fostering knowledge-sharing and practical skills development, Co-op Bank continues to position itself as a key partner in driving youth-led economic growth, especially in counties with strong agricultural potential such as Kirinyaga.
