Farm landscape
Call for Applications • 2026 Cohort

Accelerating Women in Agri-food

AWARE Program

Resilience. Growth. Empowerment.

The AWARE Programme is a 12-month business acceleration initiative empowering women-led agri-food enterprises in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties through tailored training, coaching, market linkages, and climate-smart solutions.

Uasin Gishu & Trans Nzoia
Horticulture, Dairy & Cereals
12-month acceleration

12 months

Program length

100+

Women-led enterprises

USD 5,000

Max grant size

2 regions

Counties

Woman harvesting leafy greens
Dairy cattle in a farm

Application Deadline

25 February 2026

Shortlisted applicants contacted in March

Program Snapshot

Build a resilient, profitable agri-food enterprise.

AWARE equips women entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and capital needed to scale sustainable agri-food businesses and strengthen local food systems.

Duration

12-month acceleration

Location

Uasin Gishu & Trans Nzoia

Value Chains

Horticulture • Dairy • Cereals

Grant Support

Up to USD 5,000

Women-led growth network

Connect with ambitious women entrepreneurs and build strategic partnerships for scale.

Market access & buyer linkages

Engage with aggregators, buyers, and county food system forums to unlock new revenue.

Climate-smart production

Adopt sustainable practices that improve resilience, reduce losses, and protect margins.

Business acceleration

Receive tailored coaching, diagnostics, and growth roadmaps from sector experts.

Fresh produce in a market
Seedling in soil
Program Benefits

Everything you need to scale with confidence.

From personalized coaching to market access and grant funding, AWARE helps you grow a competitive enterprise while contributing to climate-resilient food systems.

Customized training & practical business skills

Hands-on workshops and tailored modules designed for agri-food enterprises.

One-on-one coaching per enterprise

Personalized mentorship from sector experts to guide growth and decision-making.

Market access support and buyer linkages

Connect with regional markets, buyers, and supply chain partners.

Climate-smart and sustainable production support

Improve productivity while protecting natural resources and adapting to climate risks.

Participation in county-level food system forums

Showcase your enterprise and collaborate with public and private sector actors.

Grants up to USD 5,000 for top 5 in the program

Fuel business expansion through competitive grant financing.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply?

We are looking for women-led agri-food enterprises that are ready to scale, innovate, and lead climate-smart transformation in their communities.

Women-owned or women-led agri-food enterprises operating in the focus counties.

At least two (2) years of continuous business operation.

Annual turnover between KES 500,000 and KES 5 million.

Active in horticulture, dairy, or cereals value chains.

Willing to adopt climate-smart and sustainable practices.

Financial records available for the last two years (2024 & 2025).

Membership in a cooperative or producer group is an added advantage.

Farmers harvesting leafy greens in the field
Dairy cows

Focus Counties

Uasin Gishu • Trans Nzoia

Your 12-Month Journey

Phase 1

Foundation & Assessment

Months 1-3

Business diagnostics, baseline assessments, and core training in enterprise fundamentals.

Phase 2

Intensive Training

Months 4-7

Deep-dive modules on finance, marketing, production efficiency, and climate adaptation.

Phase 3

Implementation & Coaching

Months 8-10

Apply learning with coaching, market linkages, and peer learning circles.

Phase 4

Growth & Transition

Months 11-12

Grant disbursement, showcase events, and transition to long-term growth networks.

How to Apply

Submit a strong application in three steps.

Follow the steps below to complete your submission. Make sure your financial records and business profile are up to date before the deadline.

1
Confirm eligibility

Review criteria, gather financial records, and prepare your business profile.

2
Complete the application form

Share your business story, impact goals, and growth plan through the online form.

3
Shortlisting & interviews

Selected applicants will be contacted for interviews and final cohort selection.

Key Dates

Stay on schedule

Applications open

Now

Application deadline

25 Feb 2026

Cohort selection

Mar 2026

Program kickoff

Apr 2026

Need help?

We are here for you.

+254 712 345 678
apply@awareprogram.org

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about eligibility, submissions, and selection.

Who is eligible to apply?

Women-owned or women-led agri-food enterprises operating in Uasin Gishu or Trans Nzoia that have been active for at least two years.

What documents do I need?

Prepare your business profile, owner ID, and financial records for 2024 and 2025 before submitting the online form.

How are applicants selected?

Applications are reviewed for eligibility, growth potential, and impact. Shortlisted enterprises are invited for interviews.

Is there a fee to apply?

No. The AWARE Programme application is free of charge for all eligible enterprises.

Partners & Supporters

Embassy of Ireland logo

Embassy of Ireland

TradeMark Africa logo

TradeMark Africa

E4Impact Entrepreneurship Center logo

E4Impact Entrepreneurship Center

Contact

Talk to the AWARE team

Need guidance on eligibility, documents, or the application form? Our team is ready to support you.

Phone

+254 712 345 678

Email

apply@awareprogram.org

Regional Office

Eldoret & Kitale Support Hubs

In-person help is available at partner hubs in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia. Book a slot to review your documents or get application support.

Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Ready to transform your agri-food enterprise?

Join a community of ambitious women entrepreneurs and access the support you need to grow, innovate, and lead resilient food systems across Kenya.

Deadline: 25 February 2026 • Interviews: March 2026

Application Checklist
  • Completed application form
  • Business profile & owner ID
  • Financial records for 2024 & 2025
  • Value chain & market evidence