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 has 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 will stimulate quality job-creation at formal and informal startups and MSMEs in several industrial and service sectors in Kenya. This will 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 programmes. Finally, providing startups and young enterprises with access to demand-based financial services. These services will be available through an entrepreneurship centre, a one-stop shop for Kenyan entrepreneurs to network, build their skills, and consult with well-seasoned business mentors.