Despite driving innovation, employment, and resilience at the community level, youth-led and owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) face systemic challenges that often hinder their growth. In this line, KCB Foundation and Mastercard Foundation partnered with CoELIB in a capacity-building program to turn existing and emerging business potential into progress.

CoELIB supported 930 MSMEs in Nakuru, Narok, and Nyandarua counties through business development training and mentorship of 222 high-potential trainees. Built on the pillars of operational efficiency, market access, and financial readiness, the sessions looked into the structural barriers that limit the businesses from attaining full potential. 

Starting with an extensive mobilisation and training needs assessment across the eight participating KCB branches, CoELIB gained first-hand insights into the challenges faced by local MSMEs and modeled training to address the specific needs highlighted. The bootcamp training sessions, delivered in five cohorts, allowed the entrepreneurs to co-create learning agendas, participate in business simulations, and catalyse peer-to-peer learning, enabling them to come out with business plans that map out the next steps for scaling and sustainability.

The entire exercise integrated gender equality and social inclusion by ensuring inclusive recruitment and onboarding, conducting training in accessible venues, and training entrepreneurs on safeguarding practices. 

“As a commerce graduate, I did not expect to gain as much as I did. I am grateful because I learned a lot of things that will help me grow my business, especially in marketing.” Geoffrey Gitonga, CEO—Cloud Hike Safaris (Naivasha)

This training is part of CoELIB’s broader mission to empower the Kenyan entrepreneurial system, leveraging more than nine years of experience in market development, technical assistance, and business incubation.

CoELIB continues to witness how targeted support can drive impact. From working with agribusiness startups to climate innovators, CoELIB confirms that Kenya's MSMEs can become the best example of sustainable entrepreneurship with the right mentorship, tools, and capital.