Top 9 Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Kenya

Kenya has often been dubbed the African Silicon Valley. It is home to many innovative businesses that are solving problems in Africa and have the capacity for global expansion.

The African market is tough to grow in with many economic pressures and diverse target markets. Founders need as much help as possible to start and grow successful businesses. Incubator and accelerator hubs across the country are important spaces for the founders of these startups to gain training and mentorship to build these businesses.

In this article, we look at the top 10 incubators and accelerators in Kenya and the services they offer to startups in Kenya.

iHub

iHub is one of the most well-known innovation hubs in Kenya, playing a pivotal role in fostering tech startups. It provides a collaborative space, networking opportunities, investor connections, and access to funding. The hub seeks to create an environment of trust and experimentation that facilitates the growth of entrepreneurs and their companies.

Focus: technology, mobile applications, and software development

Notable alumni: BRCK, Ushahidi

Nailab

Nailab is a business incubator offering a six-month program to support early-stage startups. It focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills and providing access to resources and networks. It offers mentorship, business development, access to funding and networking opportunities.

Focus: education, health, and technology

Notable alumni: Weza Tele, Eneza Education

Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC)

KCIC supports clean-tech startups with innovative solutions addressing climate change. It offers incubation, acceleration, and financial support to entrepreneurs working on sustainable projects. The hub provides holistic and country-driven support to accelerate the development, deployment, and transfer of locally relevant climate technologies.

Focus: clean energy, renewable energy, water management and agribusiness

Notable alumni: M-kopa Solar, Strauss Energy

Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Center (CBIIC)

Located at Kenyatta University, CBIIC provides a nurturing environment for student entrepreneurs. It focuses on converting innovative ideas into viable business ventures. Innovators and researchers can access incubation services; IP management and Technology Transfer support; and linkages to strategic partners and collaborators.

Focus: Technology, Agriculture, Health, Manufacturing

Notable alumni: Farm Drive, eFarmers Hub

LakeHub

LakeHub is an innovation and technology hub located in Kisumu. It aims to promote entrepreneurship and tech development in Western Kenya. It is an NGO founded with the belief that investing in the tech education and development of Africa's youth is essential for the growth and progress of the continent, and it is committed to providing the resources and support that these young people need to reach their full potential. They offer coworking spaces, incubation and acceleration, training and mentorship, and community events.

Focus: Technology, Agritech, Healthtech

Notable alumni: Taimba, Msafiri

Savannah Fund

Savannah Fund is a seed capital fund specializing in early-stage high-growth technology startups across Sub-Saharan Africa. The fund is managed by an experienced and technology-savvy team that has founded companies or is actively involved in angel investing. Team members have also run successful accelerator programs in the past and understand the unique Subsaharan African environment. 

Focus: Technology, Fintech and E-commerce

Notable alumni: Sendy, Twiga Foods

Villgro Kenya

Villgro Kenya supports social enterprises and innovations in the healthcare sector, providing funding, mentorship, and business development services. It offers emerging companies a personalized incubation experience to help effectively scale ideas and navigate the African startup ecosystem. It offers seed funding, incubation and acceleration, technical and business mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Focus: Healthcare, Biotechnology, medical devices

Notable alumni: Illara Health, ThinkMD

NakuruBox

NakuruBox is an innovation hub located in Nakuru, Kenya, focusing on supporting startups and SMEs in the region. It provides resources, mentorship, and a collaborative environment to foster entrepreneurship. The hub also offers a Co-Working space in Nakuru Town that provides a serene, sophisticated, and upmarket premise where entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups can share a collaborative environment to drive success in their businesses. In addition, startups can access incubation training mentorship, funding, and access to the large network of entrepreneurs in Nakuru Town.

Focus: Technology, Agribusiness, Social Enterprises

Notable alumni: Agrineer, Smart Farmer

The Baobab Network

The Baobab Network is a prominent accelerator based in Nairobi, Kenya, that focuses on early-stage technology startups across Africa. It aims to support entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses through funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance. The Baobab Network is committed to driving innovation and economic growth on the continent by empowering tech startups. The hub offers financial support and the strategic and operational assistance startups need to succeed in a competitive market.

Focus: Technology, Fintech, Healthcare, E-commerce

Notable alumni: FlexPay, Taimba

 

If you’re looking for incubators and accelerators in Nigeria, check out the top 10 accelerators and incubators in Nigeria.