Unilever, the British High Commission Nairobi, and Ernst & Young Global Limited (EY) have joined forces to empower five Kenyan startups with a Sh81 million funding boost.

The trio, under the Transform impact accelerator, are set to provide business insights, practical experience, resources, and networks to help the selected companies scale their innovative business solutions.

The beneficiaries of the grant are Gwiji, Novek, Syna Consultancy, Eco Bora, and the Association of Green Champions, each with a unique focus on addressing critical challenges facing Kenya.

For instance, Eco Bora plans to install solar-powered cooking stoves in rural schools to combat deforestation and improve air quality.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigana underscored the novelty of the innovations stating that they address pertinent challenges Kenyans face.

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“These innovative projects represent novel solutions to some of the most critical challenges faced by Kenya and the region,” Wigan remarked.

“The UK is proud to work with entrepreneurs in the region to support innovative business ideas and create jobs.”

Wigan also noted the impact of the collaboration in creating lasting solutions for local ecosystems on the entrepreneurial innovation front.

Hadijah Nannyomo, Partner at EY LLP, emphasised the importance of collaboration in driving progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“We believe such collaboration to support visionary impact enterprises is key to unlocking progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” she stated.

Joseph Sunday, Unilever’s Director of Corporate Affairs for East and West Africa, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting small businesses in creating positive social and environmental impact.

This partnership marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time Unilever, the British High Commission Nairobi, and EY have collaborated locally in East Africa to identify and support entrepreneurs.

The initiative is expected to contribute to livelihood improvement, plastic waste reduction, and overall social and environmental progress in the region.