Nairobi — Sanara has invested more than Sh1.2 billion in grants and commercial financing to support Kenya's creative economy, helping finance hundreds of businesses, train young creatives and improve access to markets.
The programme says it has provided financing to more than 330 creative enterprises, equipped over 20,000 young creatives with business and technical skills, and supported more than 3,000 startups across Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Kakamega and Turkana counties.
Supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by HEVA Fund, SNDBX Ubuntu, Baraza Media Lab and GoDown Arts Centre, the programme says demand for its Ota loan facility has reached nearly Sh4 billion, highlighting the financing gap facing creative enterprises.
Data released by Sanara shows that 63 percent of financed businesses are women-led, while about 30 percent of beneficiaries are first-time borrowers.
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Speaking during the Sanara Creative Economy Learning Forum in Nairobi, HEVA Fund Programme Manager Tabitha Masese said the initiative has demonstrated that the creative economy can attract investment when entrepreneurs receive the right support.
"The creative economy is increasingly proving to be an investable sector. Our experience shows that when entrepreneurs have access to appropriate financing, business development support, technical skills and markets, they build resilient enterprises capable of creating jobs and contributing to economic growth," she said.
"The insights emerging from Sanara provide practical evidence that can inform future investment, financing models and public policy."
Beyond financing, the programme has also been working with county governments to strengthen creative economy policies, map creative infrastructure and expand market opportunities for entrepreneurs.
According to the programme, refugee creatives from Turkana have secured new buyers and accessed international markets through the Ota Pepea Access to Market Initiative.
Participants at the learning forum, which brought together investors, financial institutions, policymakers and industry players, said stronger collaboration is needed to unlock more investment in the sector.
Among the key findings presented were that access to finance remains the biggest challenge facing creative businesses, while combining commercial loans with grants, technical skills and business development services improves enterprise growth.
The programme also found that inclusive financing expands opportunities for women, refugees, persons with disabilities and first-time borrowers, while stronger policies and creative infrastructure are needed to attract more private investment.
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Kenya's creative economy contributes more than 5 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is considered one of the country's fastest-growing sectors.
