5 Kenyan SMEs Receive Grant Funding

TRANSFORM, an impact accelerator led by Unilever, the British High Commission (BHC) Nairobi and EY, have announced $623K in grant funding to five Kenyan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The five finalists, selected from 1,500 applicants to an open call, all set out their ambitions for positive social and environmental impact through their innovative solutions.

In addition to grant funding, TRANSFORM supports visionary enterprises to scale their businesses through a combination of business insight, practical experience, resources, and networks. This is the first time that Unilever, the BHC Nairobi, and EY have worked together locally in East Africa to find and select entrepreneurs for the programme.

Neil Wigan, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, said, “These innovative projects represent novel solutions to some of the most critical challenges faced by Kenya and the region. The UK is proud to work with entrepreneurs in the region to support innovative business ideas and create jobs.”

Hadijah Nannyomo, Partner, Indirect Taxes, EY LLP, stated, “It is impactful to have Unilever, EY and the British High Commission collaborate to create meaningful and lasting solutions that improve the local economy and the entrepreneurial innovation landscape. At EY, we believe such collaboration to support visionary impact enterprises is key to unlocking progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and we look forward to our future shared impact.”

Joseph Sunday, Unilever’s East and West Africa Director of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, said, “TRANSFORM has been an invaluable partner in Unilever Kenya’s journey to enhance livelihoods. Our longstanding collaboration has empowered SMEs across East Africa, with our dedicated employees championing and mentoring organizations like Gwiji and Novek. As we prioritize sustainability, TRANSFORM is pivotal in addressing livelihoods and plastics. We are committed to unlocking opportunities, enabling small and growing businesses to scale viable solutions, create jobs, stimulate long-term economic growth, and generate environmental and social benefits.”

The SMEs that have been selected for the funding include:

1: Gwiji: Gwiji improves livelihoods by digitally connecting cleaners to jobs. It aims to support over 10,000 women from low-income communities in Nairobi and increase their daily earnings.

2: Novek: Novek tests refill models for washing powders through its internet-enabled product dispenser technology with the potential to save thousands of tonnes in plastic waste.

3: Syna: Syna Consultancy has developed a portable toilet for older adults and people with disabilities, providing comfortable and hygienic sanitation that restores dignity, promotes independence, and enhances health outcomes.

4: Ecobora: Ecobora plans to install solar-powered cooking boilers in rural Kenyan schools. They will also pilot pay-as-you-go technology to provide meals for 7,000 students. The goal is to replace firewood in school kitchens, reduce air pollution, and combat deforestation.

5: Association of Green Champions (AGC): AGC intends to improve the livelihoods of sellers and harvesters of Gum Arabic through training, equipment, financing, and market links to workers in Kenya.