Programme for Promotion of Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship in Kenya: Improved use of business development services and access to finance for young enterprises

Youth unemployment is a major challenge in Kenya, which made the promotion and development of entrepreneurship, particularly for the traditional and informal sectors, a priority for the Government of Kenya and the development aid community.

The project aimed to stimulate quality job creation at formal and informal startups and MSMEs in several industrial and service sectors in Kenya.

This was to be achieved by, firstly, establishing innovative mechanisms to promote market-based business models through various forms of partnerships and industry-specific, design-thinking seminars.

Secondly, providing sector-oriented services to improve entrepreneurial skills by engaging young informal entrepreneurs in targeted acceleration programs.

Finally, providing startups and young enterprises with access to demand-based financial services. These services were available through an entrepreneurship centre, a one-stop shop for Kenyan entrepreneurs to network, build their skills, and consult with well-seasoned business mentors.