Kenyans dominates Microsoft’s list of EA entrepreneurs to be awarded #Insiders4Good fellowships

Microsoft spotlighted 21 East African entrepreneurs who will receive #Insiders4Good Fellowships. Out of the 21 Fellows who were announced 12 are from Kenya.

The 12 East African entrepreneurs from Kenya include:

Peter Akech from Mensa Healthcare, Collince Osewe from Chanjo Plus, Caleb Ndaka from Kids Comp Camp, Alfred Ongere from Sahibu, Nickson Kariuki from Spurred, John Mugendi – Lyons Analytics, Irving Amukasa from Sophie Bot, Peter Njeri from Mega Gas, Leah Otieno from Mshonaji of Mtaalamu, Chris Baraka from SMART Insider Cheetahs, Agnes Nyambura from Gawana and Festus Okumu from Azali of Mayol Ltd.

“We were impressed by the problem-solving ideas of the East African Fellowship cohort. Many have identified opportunities to tackle longstanding social challenges through recent technological trends, such as mobile phone penetration and digital data. We look forward to working with the East African #Insiders4Good Fellows, helping them achieve their goals, and learning about their challenges and creative approaches to realizing their visions.” Bambo Sofola, Microsoft Director of Software Engineering, said during a press event in Nairobi.

The Fellows were selected based on the innovativeness of their ideas, the strength of their business proposals, and their potential to make a positive impact both in their communities and across East Africa regionally. Each Fellow will receive a suite of Microsoft hardware and software, and 6 months of tailored technical and strategic mentorship from local and international leaders.

“After a rich and rewarding experience supporting promising Nigerian entrepreneurs through the #Insiders4Good Fellowship, we are thrilled to expand the program by supporting rising entrepreneurs in East Africa,” Bambo Sofola, Microsoft Director of Software Engineering, said during a press event in Nairobi.

The Fellows will kickstart the program with an intensive entrepreneurs’ bootcamp, where they will work with Microsoft and GrowthAfrica staff to build a solid foundation of business skills and mindsets, set goals for the program, and create a roadmap for achieving those goals. The bootcamp is designed to foster supportive connections between the Fellows and to set the groundwork for 6 months of impactful mentorship from local and international experts.

Launched in partnership with GrowthAfrica, the Fellowship aims to support promising entrepreneurs in turning their extraordinary social business ideas into reality. This is the second year that the #Insiders4Good program will be held. Last year, Microsoft awarded #Insiders4Good Fellowships to 25 entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

Click here to get the list of the East African Fellows.