The graduates join hundreds of women who have completed similar programmes in recent months, among them 74 women entrepreneurs in Kwale County who graduated in January 2026 after completing the Equity Group Foundation's financial literacy and entrepreneurship training.  

Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Embu, Kirinyaga University Vice Chancellor Professor Mary Ndung'u praised Equity for investing in programmes that create real and lasting change in communities.   

"What impresses me most about Equity Bank is its ability to touch people and transform lives. When institutions go beyond providing services and genuinely impact lives, they contribute meaningfully to humanity and national development," said Prof. Ndung'u.  

She noted that initiatives such as Fanikisha are empowering women to venture into industries that were once considered the preserve of men.   

"When I look at Fanikisha and the broad spectrum of opportunities it offers, I see encouragement, promise, commitment, and faithfulness to a worthy cause. These qualities have empowered women to venture confidently into construction, transport businesses, schools, and many other sectors. The barriers that once limited women's participation in business are steadily being dismantled," she added.  

The training, which focused on financial management, business planning, investment strategies, and access to credit, has equipped the graduates with skills critical for business success in today's competitive environment.  

Equity Bank Kenya's Head of Retail and Branch Business, Carol Rutto, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to use the skills acquired to expand their businesses and positively impact their communities.   

"You embody the very spirit of empowerment that Fanikisha seeks to advance, women who are breaking barriers, driving excellence, and inspiring future generations. Through your determination and resilience, we celebrate the countless women across Embu and Kirinyaga who are building our economy from the ground up.  

It is inspiring to see women who have remained committed to their businesses even during difficult times. Many of you have invested, expanded, and continued pushing forward despite the challenges. Your determination is proof that when women are empowered with the right knowledge and resources, they can achieve extraordinary outcomes," Rutto said.  

The graduates have access to Equity’s Fanikisha suite of products, specifically designed to support women-led enterprises through financing, savings, investment opportunities, health insurance, and business development support.  

Since its inception in 2007, Fanikisha has trained more than 2.5 million women and facilitated over KSh 565 billion in financing to women-led businesses. Through a combination of financial literacy training, access to credit, business development support, savings, health insurance, and investment solutions, Fanikisha continues to empower women to start, grow, and scale sustainable enterprises, contributing significantly to Kenya's economic development.