Diaspora Women Push Global Marketplace for Kenyan-Made Products

Diaspora women leaders have proposed the creation of a global digital marketplace for Kenyan-made products, aimed at linking women producers with international buyers through a diaspora-led investment and mentorship network.

The proposal was presented at State House under the patronage of First Lady Rachel Ruto. Speaking on behalf of the Global Hub Women Leaders Caucus, Mercy Kamanja said the marketplace would be designed as a strategic economic initiative rather than a welfare programme.

Kamanja said the platform would provide policy support, market access and institutional backing to help women-led businesses grow. She described it as an active system for economic empowerment that would be driven by the diaspora and focused on supporting grassroots women producers.

A key element of the proposal is the development of a diaspora-led production and export network. Under the plan, Kenyan artisans, particularly women in rural cooperatives, would receive mentorship from diaspora professionals in areas including design, logistics, finance and marketing. 

The aim is to help traditional products meet international retail standards while preserving their cultural identity. Organisers said the initiative would enable locally produced goods to reach international markets. They envision products such as handbags made in Makueni being sold in retail outlets in cities including London, Paris and Dubai under the "Made in Kenya" label.

The proposal also includes a three-pillar framework focused on economic participation, civic education and access to global markets. Organisers said women would receive training in governance, budgeting and constitutional awareness alongside business development support. They argue that combining economic and civic education would strengthen women's participation in social and political life.

The plan identifies the State Department for Diaspora Affairs as a key partner in aligning the initiative with national diaspora policies. Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu was named as an important stakeholder in the proposed collaboration.

Organisers have also requested a direct coordination mechanism with the First Lady's Office to support funding applications and the development of international partnerships. They said high-level institutional support would help attract donors and investors.

The pilot phase is expected to involve 500 women from five counties during its first year. Organisers intend to expand the programme into a nationwide export network that would enable women's cooperatives to operate as internationally competitive production units.

Supporters of the proposal say it could strengthen links between local producers and global consumers by drawing on diaspora expertise and networks. The initiative is now awaiting formal consideration and alignment with existing government policies on diaspora investment and women's economic empowerment.