Kenya and the World Bank have invited applications from incubators, accelerators and tech boot camp providers for possible funding and business mentorship. The partnership through the Strengthening Kenya’s Innovation Ecosystem(SKIES) aims to benefit intermediaries that incubate and accelerate enterprises engaged in various value chains such as Leather, Livestock (Dairy and Pastoralism Economy); Garments and Textiles; Industrial Production (Building Materials and Pharmaceuticals); and Crops (Edible Oils, Rice, Tea, Coffee).

Speaking during the event, State Department for Industry Principal Secretary Dr Juma Mukhwana said enterprise ecosystem intermediaries are key priority areas as they play a vital role that should be well understood if Kenya is to nurture a robust startup enterprise ecosystem.

“The intermediaries bridge the gap between startups and their transformation into thriving enterprises. As of now, Kenya boasts a burgeoning number of intermediaries with their number being at approximately 200 spread all over the country which are actively contributing to the growth of our innovation ecosystem,” he said.

The Kenyan entrepreneurship ecosystem has witnessed the emergence of numerous business incubators and accelerator initiatives mainly focused on Information, Communication and technology (ICT) enterprises. While this growth has seen tech start-up support networks flourish, it has also presented advantages and challenges for these institutions.

David Cheboryot, one of the Directors of the Management Firm and a representative of the E4Impact Foundation, unveiled the visionary initiative. He pointed out that SKIES will be working on three critical pillars of transformation. This will be done through building intermediary capacity, empowering tech education and fostering an environment of collaboration, where intermediaries join hands to enhance startup support and share best practices and ecosystem learnings.

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The start-up challenges identified are funding gaps (particularly in follow-up funding), policy fluctuations, and regulatory adjustments. The protracted business registration process remains a significant impediment, especially in some counties that have yet to streamline their procedures.

The lack of a uniform platform to oversee the startup ecosystem has also given rise to issues such as innovation duplication, absence of a national opportunity repository, lack of standardised best practices, and information imbalances leading to ‘grantpreneurs’ and intermediaries lacking commitment to excellence.

SKIES, a sub-component of  the Sh5 billion Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP) funded by the World Bank Group and implemented by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), will be implemented in two tracks. The first track will accommodate incubators and accelerators, where successful applicants will receive financial grants based on individual improvement plans.

The second batch will comprise technology boot camp providers and Rapid Tech Skills students. The boot camp providers will be supported through grants for scaling, while the students will receive subsidies to cover their tuition fees.

The project aims to benefit 20 beneficiaries for Track 1 and 16 beneficiaries for Track 2, along with 532 students who will receive scholarships for rapid tech skills training. We are committed to ensuring regional balancing to represent the diverse face of Kenya among our beneficiaries.

 To register and take advantage of this incredible opportunity, eligible intermediaries can visit www.kiep-skies.co.ke.

QUALIFICATIONS

To participate in the initiative, applicants must meet the specific eligibility criteria for each track. For Incubators & Accelerators (Track 1), ensure your organisation is legally registered in Kenya, has been operational for over 2 years, and has successfully managed at least two incubation or acceleration programs. You should be able to demonstrate your support for early-stage (incubators) or growth-stage (accelerators) enterprises, with over 60% of supported start-ups falling within value addition, agro-processing, or manufacturing sectors. Alignment with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and Kenya Vision 2030 is also essential.

For Technology Bootcamp Providers (Track 2), ensure your entity is legally registered in Kenya, has been operational for over 2 years, and has effectively managed at least 2 technology bootcamps with proven impact. Demonstrated experience in organizing rapid tech boot camps lasting 3 to 6 months and alignment with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and Kenya Vision 2030 is also necessary.

Rapid Tech Skills Students will receive subsidized tuition fees. To participate, you should be a Kenyan citizen above 18 years old, provide valid proof of KCSE certification, and be a recent tech graduate from a university or a technical education institution. A display of genuine interest in developing soft and technical skills for a future-ready tech profession, and a desire to launch a tech-related business or work in the tech field is crucial. Applicants from all regions of Kenya are encouraged, and female students are particularly welcome to ensure gender balance in the tech sector.