State unveils plan to build capacity of enterprise incubators
By Raphael Muoki, August 23, 2023The government has unveiled plan to enhance capacity of enterprise ecosystem intermediaries to enable them support more startups in evolving into thriving businesses.
Speaking during the launch of the Strengthening Kenya’s Innovation Ecosystem (SKIES) programme, Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana (pictured) said such interventions combined with high tech-skills will enable startups access capital for expansion.
“These intermediaries, comprising incubators, accelerators, and tech-boot camp providers, bridge the gap between startups and thriving enterprises, fostering their transformation,” he added.
Mukhwana noted that local intermediaries play a pivotal role in the spring-up of the innovation ecosystem. As part of the Sh5 billion Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project’s
Boot camp providers(KIEP) initiative by the World Bank, SKIES aims to bolster ecosystem infrastructure by enhancing the capacity of intermediaries.
The programme will fortify incubators, accelerators, and technology boot camp providers.
Mukhwana said currently, Kenya boasts around 200 intermediaries spread across the nation, actively contributing to the burgeoning innovation ecosystem.
“These intermediaries play a crucial role in incubating and accelerating enterprises in priority sectors like leather, livestock, garments and textiles, industrial production, and crops, aligning with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.”
Dubbed the “Silicon Savannah,” Kenya’s entrepreneurial landscape has witnessed a surge in technology startups and enablers.
This growth has led to a flourishing network of tech-focused support structures, yet it hasn’t been without its challenges. Startups grapple with funding gaps, policy fluctuations, and regulatory hurdles.
The intricate nature of the ecosystem has led to concerns such as innovation duplication and the absence of standardized best practices. David Cheboryot, the Director of KIEP representing the E4Impact
Foundation while unveiling SKIES, highlighted its three transformationpillars.
These are building intermediary capacity, empowering tech education, and fostering collaboration. By championing innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, SKIES aspires to reshape Kenya’s innovation landscape.