Empowering Women through Digital Innovations within the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Case of Women-Based SMEs in Nairobi County, Kenya

The economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Nairobi County, Kenya, is critical for socio-economic development, especially in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. Since the inception of African feminism development and other women-based studies, harnessing women's experiences, knowledge, and ideas in the entrepreneurship journey has been considerably low, especially in terms of their socio-economic empowerment and transformation. While innovation and digital technology in the fourth industrial revolution are important and have many benefits, how women can harness this potential for their economic transformation and empowerment is still a big challenge. This paper examines the impact of digital innovations on women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region. Despite the recognized potential of digital technology, women entrepreneurs often face barriers such as limited access to technology, digital literacy challenges, and socio-cultural obstacles which hinder their financial power, rights and enjoyment. This study aims to highlight how digital tools such as mobile banking, e-commerce platforms, and social media marketing can drive entrepreneurial growth and sustainability among women. Utilizing a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature from 2014 to 2024, the study synthesizes evidence on the role of digital innovations in enhancing business efficiency, access to capital, and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs. The findings underscore the significant contributions of digitalization to the economic empowerment of women while also identifying gaps in digital training, infrastructure, and regulatory support. The paper calls for targeted interventions to create a conducive environment that fosters gender equality, human rights and economic development in Nairobi, aligning with the broader objectives of the fourth industrial revolution.