Nairobi — Five Kenyan startups have received a Sh81 million boost from TRANSFORM, an impact accelerator backed by Unilever, the British High Commission (BHC), and EY.
They include Gwiji, which connects cleaners to jobs digitally; Novek, a company that seeks to eliminate single-use plastics; and Syna Consultancy, a developer of portable toilets.
Others include Ecobora, which plans to install solar-powered cooking boilers in rural areas, as well as the Association of Green Champions, which intends to improve the livelihoods of sellers and harvesters of gum Arabic.
The five were selected from a pool of 1,500 applicants, with organizers looking for innovations that promote positive social and environmental impact.
"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," Neil Wigan, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, said.
Grantees will also receive 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 program.
"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," Hadijah Nannyomo, Partner, Indirect Taxes, EY LLP, added.
Unilever East and West Africa Director of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Joseph Sunday said, "Our longstanding collaboration has empowered SMEs across East Africa, with our dedicated employees championing and mentoring organizations like Gwiji and Novek."
"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. We eagerly look forward to supporting more enterprises in the future and being an integral part of this dynamic ecosystem."
