About the Program
The program goal is to enable financially disadvantaged youth, particularly young women, persons with disabilities, and refugees, to access affordable and inclusive financial services and tailored agribusiness support. This will empower them to grow their enterprises, create dignified and fulfilling work opportunities, and ultimately contribute to poverty eradication in Kenya’s agricultural sector. This program is a critical addition to Kenya’s portfolio, directly addressing one of the most persistent gaps: access to affordable finance for rural young women and men agripreneurs.
FIYMA targets to address systemic barriers that prevent young agri-entrepreneurs and particularly young women agri-entrepreneurs, from accessing affordable, flexible, and appropriate financial products in support of growth of their agribusinesses. The program recognizes while Kenya has seen multiple agriculture financing initiatives through SACCOs, but few have specifically targeted financially disadvantaged youth in agriculture in the 6 program target value chains including livestock (beef and dairy), poultry, fisheries and aquaculture, fruit and vegetables, pulses and grains as well as Irish potatoes.
Beyond inclusive finance, the program goes further by equipping entrepreneurs with skills to strengthen their capacity to access and utilize capital, tap into market information, and integrate into lucrative value chains. FIYMA uniquely catalyzes the SACCO and cooperative infrastructure to become more youth responsive. By unlocking this untapped potential, the program not only closes a systemic gap but also builds pathways for inclusive, sustainable growth in one of Kenya’s largest sectors.
The program commenced in November 2025 and is planned to run up to October 2030.
Implementing Partners
The program is being implemented by four partners, including Micro Enterprise Support Program Trust (MESPT), NCBA CLUSA, East Africa Market Development Associates (EAMDA) and Women’s Empowerment Link. MESPT is the lead implementation partner for this program. Established in 2002 by the Government of Kenya and European Union, MESPT’s mission is to enhance the productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers and agricultural Micro Small and Medium Enterprises by providing integrated business solutions for sustainable development.
Click on the link below for contact details: https://mespt.org/
Who qualifies?
The program is open to young women and men (aged 18-35 years) passionate in agri-entrepreneurship from the following 28 counties, including Laikipia, Embu, Bomet, Kericho, Nyeri, Nakuru, Meru, Kiambu, Masarbit, Nyamira, Isiolo, Taita Taveta, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Nandi, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Kilifi, Kwale, Kisii, Nyandarua, Kisumu, Siaya and Narok. These preferred counties are based on the 6 focus value chains. Young women are encouraged to apply.
