Eldoret Businesswoman Florence Akinyi alias Mama Daughter Celebrated for Empowering Women on International Women’s Day

Renowned businesswoman and community mobilizer Florence Akinyi has been celebrated by traders and residents in Eldoret for her tireless efforts in empowering women, widows and vulnerable families during this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations.

Akinyi, a long-time fish trader and founder of the Mama Daughter Foundation, has built a reputation over the years as one of the women championing economic empowerment at the grassroots level. Through her fish business and charitable initiatives, she has supported dozens of women to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Akinyi said International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the strength, resilience and determination of women who continue to work hard to support their families despite numerous challenges.

“Women should come out and work hard. What a man can do, a woman can do even better,” she said, encouraging women to embrace entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities.

A Journey from Humble Beginnings

Akinyi narrated how she started her entrepreneurial journey from a very humble background, saying she began small-scale trading with only a few shillings before gradually building a stable business.

According to her, she began her first ventures selling farm produce and other small items before eventually entering the fish trade in 2004.

Over time, she expanded her operations and by 2012 she had started a wholesale fish business supplying traders in various estates within Eldoret and beyond.

“I started my business with very little capital. I worked hard and slowly grew until I was able to establish a wholesale fish business. Today many families depend on this trade,” she said.

She noted that fish consumption has grown significantly over the years as more communities adopt it as a healthy source of protein.

“People from different communities are now eating fish because it is white meat and healthier. That is why the business has expanded,” she added.

### Empowering Women Through Business

Akinyi said one of her biggest motivations has been helping women, especially widows and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to become financially independent.

Through her initiative, she provides fish to women on credit so they can sell in estates and markets before returning the initial capital.

So far, she says, more than 50 widows have benefited directly from the program while many other women continue to receive support to start or expand their businesses.

“I give them fish to go and sell in the estates. When they make profit, they bring back the capital and continue with the business. That way they can support their families,” she explained.

She added that the network has grown over the years and currently includes several women wholesalers supplying fish to traders across different estates.

According to Akinyi, the fish trade has become a reliable source of income for many families in Eldoret, supporting children’s education and household needs.

“My fish feeds many people in Eldoret. When you support one trader, you support the whole family behind them,” she said.

 Supporting Vulnerable Children and Mothers

Beyond business, Akinyi is also involved in charity work through the Mamadota Foundation, which focuses on helping vulnerable women and children.

She said the foundation was started after she noticed many young mothers and children living on the streets without basic necessities such as food, clothing or shelter.

“I would see mothers and children sleeping outside with nothing. Some even had newborn babies and no blankets. That is what pushed me to start the foundation,” she said.

Through the initiative, Akinyi and her team provide items such as blankets, sanitary towels and other basic supplies to vulnerable families.

She also hopes to establish a shelter for young mothers and street children if she secures land to build a safe home for them.

“My dream is to get land where we can build a place for these children and mothers so they can live safely and rebuild their lives,” she said.

Encouraging Women to Join Leadership

During the Women’s Day celebrations, Akinyi also used the platform to encourage women to participate more actively in leadership and politics.

She said many women shy away from politics due to fear, lack of finances and societal pressure, but insisted that women are capable leaders who can bring positive change.

“Politics requires courage. Women should not be afraid to step forward and lead. Times have changed and women can make a difference,” she said.

She urged women to support one another and build strong networks that promote empowerment and unity.

Community Recognition

Fellow traders and residents who attended the celebrations praised Akinyi for her generosity and leadership, saying she has transformed the lives of many women through mentorship and financial support.

Many described her as a role model whose determination and compassion have inspired other women to pursue business opportunities and become self-reliant.

As the world marked International Women’s Day, Akinyi’s story stood out as a powerful example of grassroots empowerment, demonstrating how entrepreneurship, mentorship and community support can uplift women and transform families.

Her message to women remains simple but powerful: work hard, support each other and never be afraid to pursue opportunities that can change their lives.