From Timid Entrepreneur to Mentor: Ruth Osebe Michoma Helps Women with Disabilities Enter Procurement

When Ruth Osebe Michoma began her business journey in 2008, she did not imagine that one day she would mentor dozens of women entrepreneurs or advocate for more inclusive procurement systems in Kenya. Today, as Managing Director of Rosebe Enterprises and Rosebe Agencies Limited, Ruth has grown into a confident business leader who is helping other women, especially women with disabilities, access opportunities that were once difficult to reach.

Ruth’s journey reflects the impact of efforts by UN Kenya, through UN Women, working with the Government of Kenya to expand women’s participation in public and private procurement. Under the Women’s Economic Empowerment programme, UN Women launched a Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP) initiative in 2024. The initiative is supported through the UAE–UN Women Strategic Partnership Framework 2024–2027, a USD 15 million commitment from the United Arab Emirates to advance gender equality and strengthen women’s economic participation.

The programme supports women entrepreneurs by strengthening their ability to compete for procurement opportunities, build sustainable businesses and participate in more inclusive supply chains.

For Ruth, the turning point came when she joined Kenya’s Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme. The policy reserves 30 per cent of public procurement contracts for women, youth and persons with disabilities. While the opportunity existed, navigating procurement systems was not always straightforward.

“I used to be timid,” Ruth recalls. “Today, I walk into any office with confidence.”

Through mentorship, training and networking opportunities provided through UN Women’s GRP initiative and the Women’s Empowerment Principles Forum, Ruth developed the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate procurement processes. The training helped her understand tender documentation, manage applications and strengthen the operational side of her business.

“The trainings helped me understand the paperwork process, navigate tender applications and manage my business more effectively,” she explains. “Through GRP my turnover has improved, and I have mentored more than 25 other women into entrepreneurship.”

Her work has since grown beyond running a successful enterprise. Ruth now trains and mentors other women who want to enter the procurement space, sharing practical guidance on tendering processes and business management.

Women entrepreneurs across Kenya still face multiple barriers when attempting to access procurement opportunities. Limited access to finance, complicated documentation requirements and delays in government payments often discourage small businesses from participating. For women with disabilities, these challenges are compounded by inaccessible office buildings, limited parking facilities and digital systems that are not always inclusive.

Ruth has experienced many of these barriers first hand. Rather than stepping back, she has used her experience to advocate for improvements in how procurement systems work.

“Some women give up too early,” she says. “Procurement is not a one-day affair. You need the right documentation, persistence and confidence.”

Through partnerships between UN Women, the Government of Kenya and private sector actors, efforts are under way to address these challenges. The programme promotes simplified procurement documentation, improved access to finance and markets and more predictable payment systems for suppliers. It also encourages greater physical and digital accessibility for women entrepreneurs and persons with disabilities.

Ruth believes these changes can open doors for many more women.

“The government and private sector should lessen the documentation burden and improve payment timelines to make procurement more inclusive,” she says. “Standardising procurement processes across institutions would make bidding easier and more accessible.”

Her advocacy also highlights the need to recognise the realities faced by women in rural areas and women with disabilities who must navigate digital systems that are often designed without accessibility in mind.

Despite the obstacles, Ruth remains focused on supporting other women to succeed.

“I no longer fear,” she says. “I now train other women on tendering and the delivery of quality services. It is not just about winning tenders. It is about sustaining your business and inspiring others.”

Her story illustrates how targeted support, inclusive policies and practical mentorship can help women entrepreneurs expand their businesses and support others along the way.

Across Kenya, women like Ruth are demonstrating that inclusive procurement systems can create real economic opportunities. With continued collaboration between government, development partners and the private sector, more women entrepreneurs will be able to step forward, compete and thrive.

Through initiatives like the Gender-Responsive Procurement programme, UN Kenya continues to work with partners to expand economic opportunities for women, strengthen inclusive markets and ensure that no one is left behind.