Capwell Industries launch ‘Webanda’ Mobile Kibanda Project to empower women and promote safe street food

Capwell Industries Ltd has unveiled a pilot mobile kibanda initiative dubbed “Webanda”, aimed at economically empowering women in Kenya’s informal food sector while improving hygiene and nutrition standards in street food vending.

The project was officially flagged off by Capwell Industries CEO Mr. Rajan Shah, marking what the company describes as a bold step towards transforming the country’s vibrant street food economy.

In Kenya, street food vending forms a significant part of the informal sector, with women making up a large percentage of traders. Through Webanda, Capwell seeks to support these women by equipping them with dignified, well-structured mobile kiosks that enhance both food safety and business sustainability.

Inspired by Capwell’s purpose to enrich lives through nutrition and its vision of providing safe, nutritious and convenient foods, the initiative blends the words “Women” and “Kiba
nda” into one powerful concept — Kibanda Bora, Maisha Bora.

Speaking during the launch, Mr. Shah said the project goes beyond business.

“Webanda reflects our commitment to uplifting women entrepreneurs while ensuring consumers have access to safe and nutritious food. We believe that when you empower a woman economically, you uplift an entire community,” he said.

Each mobile trolley is designed as a modern, hygienic kibanda equipped with a gas cylinder for clean cooking, a stainless-steel working surface and stocked with Capwell’s staple brands including Soko, Pearl, CIL, Ranee and Treatos, alongside other basic essentials. The setup directly addresses long-standing concerns around food hygiene and safety in informal vending spaces.

“This is not just about selling food. It is about creating an ecosystem where women can grow sustainable businesses while upholding high hygiene standards,” Mr. Shah added.

The pilot phase is being implemented in partnership with Rafiki Micro Finance Bank, which is providing access to affordable financing options to support participating vendors.

“With access to structured financing, these women can scale their businesses in a sustainable way. Financial inclusion is a key pillar of long-term empowerment,” noted a representative from Rafiki Micro Finance Bank.

To further strengthen the initiative, the Thika Sub-County Public Health Department is offering training and technical support to ensure compliance with hygiene and sanitation standards. The collaboration aims to professionalise informal food vending in both urban and peri-urban areas.

Public health officials welcomed the move, noting that structured training combined with proper equipment will significantly reduce health risks associated with informal food vending.

Capwell says the Webanda pilot is just the beginning, with plans to scale the model into thousands of mobile kibandas across the country.

“Our vision is to redefine street food vending in Kenya. We want to see safe, clean, and nutritious food accessible to all, while creating real economic opportunities for women,” Mr. Shah said. “At the heart of this initiative is our commitment to helping consumers Eat Well and Live Well.”

With Webanda, Capwell is not only investing in food distribution but also championing dignity, financial inclusion and improved public health, positioning women at the centre of Kenya’s evolving street food landscape.