Support to employment and to the creation and expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises is a fundamental element for AICS in the country. Kenya is characterized by a great ferment in entrepreneurship, which is crucial for economic and social progress that contributes to sustained growth. However, many start-ups have a high failure rate, and the creativity of young entrepreneurs does not always correspond to easy access to credit.
Among the current initiatives are:
Business Incubator and Energy Innovation in Kenya, which consists of two essential components: the first involves vocational training and renewable energies and is realized in collaboration with the St. Kizito vocational training institute; the second concerns the support to the E4Impact Business Incubator and Accelerator Centre, which represents a centre of excellence in the country. The Centre supports MSMEs which are operating in sectors with the potential to create inclusive and sustainable jobs and that align with national strategies and plans. Partners of this initiative include the Catholic University of Milan and its E4Impact Foundation, AVSI, the Res4Africa Foundation, Eni, and UNIDO.
An additional initiative focuses on creating a sustainable and inclusive fashion ecosystem: it targets artisans, micro-producers, and design entrepreneurs from marginalized communities across the country. Project beneficiaries receive a specialized curriculum of training and education and are supported by putting them in network with major international fashion companies to increase their opportunities for dignified employment. The initiative also focuses on increasing the environmental sustainability of the processes and practices used by Kenyan artisans through circular design and production models, the use of renewable energy sources, the use of organic and/or recycled materials, and other processes that require carbon-insetting.
