World Bank Partners With Government to Enhance Investor-Readiness for Local Startups

Innovation Ecosystem Manager, KIEP Project Cecilia Mwangi, Knowledge Transfer Manager, Global Alliance Africa Basil Malaki, Director Innovate Now, Bernard Chiira, ASSEK Chairperson David Cheboryot and ASSEK CEO Mercy Kimalat during the ASSEK Ecosystem Enablers Forum for CEOs and Founders.
Innovation Ecosystem Manager, KIEP Project Cecilia Mwangi, Knowledge Transfer Manager, Global Alliance Africa Basil Malaki, Director Innovate Now, Bernard Chiira, ASSEK Chairperson David Cheboryot and ASSEK CEO Mercy Kimalat during the ASSEK Ecosystem Enablers Forum for CEOs and Founders.
Photo ASSEK

The World Bank and the Kenya government have partnered to enhance investor readiness for local startups through the Association of Startups and SMEs Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK).

ASSEK, which launched operations with 40 members has now grown its membership to 150 entrepreneur support organisations (ESOs) now tasked with creating tailor-made business programmes that support sector-specific needs of local businesses.

“We have transformed SMEs and Startups by matching them with the right coach and mentor to help them grow. This is done by ensuring they have access to international opportunities through the stakeholders that we have partnered with. This has enabled many to sell their services and products regionally and beyond,” ASSEK Chief Executive Mercy Kimalat stated. 

SMEs and startups trained through the ASSEK  programmes will  also benefit from seed funding, with small businesses accessing diversified funding tailored to their needs