The Nairobi Securities Exchange Plc (NSE) launched the NSE EmpowerHER Patrons Circle, a leadership and advocacy platform dedicated to advancing gender inclusion, improving women’s access to capital, and expanding investment opportunities across Kenya.
The launch event was attended by Ms Mary Muinde, Chief of Staff in the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Rachel Ruto, who highlighted the First Lady’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment.
We’re thrilled to welcome our inaugural NSE EmpowerHER Patrons Circle—today, leaders joined forces to champion women’s voices in finance. Together, we’re turning strategic vision into lasting change, because when women thrive, markets thrive. #EmpowerHER #InclusiveGrowth #NSE pic.twitter.com/BNvvjPyDg3
— NSE PLC (@NSE_PLC) May 8, 2025
Ms. Muinde stated, “On behalf of Her Excellency The First Lady, Mrs. Rachel Ruto, we proudly support the NSE EmpowerHER Patrons Circle—a transformative initiative that reshapes opportunities for women in finance, entrepreneurship, and investment. This platform is a critical step toward a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient Kenya.”
The NSE EmpowerHer Patrons Circle commits to a 36-month action plan, with influential leaders mentoring, advocating, and strategising to boost women’s economic participation.
The initiative aims to institutionalise gender inclusion in Kenya’s capital markets through sustained leadership and collaboration.
Demi Murila, NSE EmpowerHER Lead, described the initiative as “a transformative movement, not just a program.”
She added, “We are equipping women with the tools, resources, and networks to thrive as investors, entrepreneurs, and market leaders. The Patrons Circle embeds leadership, structure, and sustainability at the heart of gender inclusion.”
NSE Chief Executive Officer Mr. Frank Mwiti outlined the initiative’s ambitious goals:
“The NSE EmpowerHER Patrons Circle marks a new era in inclusive finance. We aim to empower one million women through financial literacy and investor education, facilitate capital access for over 100 women-led enterprises, and foster a dynamic ecosystem of female leaders in capital markets.”
@NSE_PLC CEO, @mwiti_frank , stated that the launch of the NSE EmpowerHER Patrons Circle heralds a new chapter in inclusive finance, with the ambition to empower one million women through financial literacy and investor education, facilitate capital access for over 100 women-led… pic.twitter.com/1jovuzYoCc
— NSE PLC (@NSE_PLC) May 8, 2025
NSE Chairperson Kiprono Kittony emphasised the broader impact: “Gender inclusion is both a moral and economic necessity. NSE EmpowerHER opens doors and creates lasting pathways for women to succeed, strengthening businesses and the economy.”
At the NSE EmpowerHER Patrons event,@NSE_PLC Chairman @KipronoKittony said that he was delighted to bring together women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors to officially inaugurate the program, describing it as a bold, strategic step by the Exchange to build… pic.twitter.com/zmMxuj1JLK
— NSE PLC (@NSE_PLC) May 8, 2025
The event featured a panel discussion on “Gender Inclusivity in the Economy, Capital Access, and Investment,” with leaders including Nasim Devji, CEO of DTB; Mary Mulili, CEO of UBA Kenya; Tamara Cook, CEO of FSD Kenya; and Sonal Tejpar, Chairperson of the British Chamber of Commerce.
Backed by strong institutional support, the NSE EmpowerHER Patrons Circle is poised to become a national model for inclusive investing, unlocking Kenya’s economic potential by ensuring women’s representation from grassroots education to boardroom leadership.
