Rose Mutiso: On a mission to grow women in business

For Rose Mutiso, working with and empowering young women with entrepreneurial skills is more than a calling. She says it is about time that women made their own table, and not just wait for them to be invited to join one. Having worked in a male dominated construction industry for more than 20 years, she has seen it all and now shares her expertise with the women she works with. Her vision extends to empowering women, especially young girls, to become job creators within their communities. She has helped countless women secure employment and build pathways to independence and self-sufficiency. Her conferences address everything from career development to personal health, providing women with tools to enrich their lives and positively impact those around them. "Despite our huge potential, systems and societal norms often create barriers that prevent women from starting or growing businesses. The most common barriers include self-perceived fear of failure, skills gaps, limited networks, and difficulties accessing finance. Having worked in construction, I believe we are more than capable of working in this industry especially on value addition," she says. Rose says while there is a framework in form of legislative support, many women are locked out of such opportunities. "We need to change that narrative especially for young women whom I feel have the capacity to do these types of businesses. Helping them learn and understand how the tendering process works, the requirements and most importantly, where to source them is important. Everyone has to start from somewhere," she says. Rose says the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program, which aims at empowering women, youth, and people with disabilities to participate in government procurement should be made more accessible. The program is based on the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which requires that 30 per cent of government procurement opportunities be set aside for these groups. She started some of these programs at her local church where as the vice chairlady, she organises women's retreats. These retreats aim to foster independence, well-being, and resilience, enabling women to discover their potential and achieve financial independence. Away from her corporate lifestyle, Rose is a powerhouse in gospel music with a career spanning over 16 years, and has released an impressive body of work, including over 60 songs across different streaming platforms. Her journey in music has been remarkable, marked by multiple accolades, including Video of the Year at the ETA Awards (2022), Eastern Artiste of the Year (ETA Awards, 2023), Eastern Artiste of the Year at the Jamhuri Kenya Awards (2023), and Most Outstanding Artiste, Eastern Kenya (ETA Awards, 2024). These recognitions underscore her commitment to using her voice to uplift and inspire, her songs resonating deeply within her community and beyond. Her latest release, 'Timiza Ndoto', premiered early this month, and has since touched hearts with its powerful themes of faith and perseverance. In this song, she speaks to those yearning for dreams to be fulfilled, urging them to hold fast to their visions while trusting in God's timing. Rose has supported upcoming women gospel artistes by paying their studio and video recording expenses and walking with them to ensure that they enter the gospel ministry with enough information for their own personal growth and expansion of God's Kingdom. This also involves taking them through a program of identifying themselves and their capacity to improve their livelihoods through income generating initiatives. She also does trainings, orientation, mentorship and coaching especially to the women by not only inducting on job requirements but also on personal growth. This encompasses introducing them to savings and credit schemes which finances their initiatives. "The music industry can be brutal for many artistes getting into it. Despite recording their music and releasing it, making money out of it is another issue. While the upcoming acts struggle to make music, I try to help them by starting Income Generating Activities that can help fend for livelihoods, especially young mothers," she says. While Rose's accomplishments are impressive, she is also known for her vibrant personality and zest for life. A passionate traveler, she finds joy in exploring new places, cultures, and cuisines, drawing inspiration from the diversity she encounters on her journeys. These experiences not only fuel her creativity but also deepen her connection with people from different backgrounds, informing her music and community work with rich perspectives. Rose is a beloved wife and mother of three, balancing her professional commitments with family life. Her children inspire her to keep pushing boundaries, setting an example of faith, resilience, and determination. "I was born in Mumbuni village, Mitaboni sub-location in Machakos County, in a family of nine. I come from a humble background where I got only the basic things in life. I have always worked hard to live and give my children a better life," she says. "I went to Mumbuni primary school and later joined AIC Athi River high school. Upon clearing I joined Cambridge Secretarial College where I did full secretarial for two years. Later I would upgrade my education through various short courses before I started working as a secretary. Over the years, I have raised through the ranks," she says. Did she always want to get into business? "From the very beginning, I wanted to be independent and I believed that business is the way to go, I have always wanted to be the boss of my own due to the nature of my ministry but I see it coming in the future," she says.

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Rose Mutiso: On a mission to grow women in business

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