Top 15 Startups in Kenya To watch Out For in 2024

In recent years, Kenya has solidified its position as a thriving hub for startups, emerging as a leader in East Africa and globally. Fueled by innovation, increased access to venture capital funding, and a favorable ecosystem, these Kenyan startups are making waves and shaping the future of various industries. This article explores the top 15 startups driving change, embracing technology, and contributing to Kenya's dynamic entrepreneurial landscape.

As we step into 2024, it's evident that Kenya's startup ecosystem continues to flourish, thanks to a combination of innovative minds, conducive policies, and a strong appetite for growth. This article delves into the fascinating world of Kenyan startups, spotlighting 15 trailblazing ventures that are shaping industries, harnessing technology, and transforming the business landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Kenya leads East Africa's startup scene.
• Access to VC funding propels startup growth.
• Government initiatives, like DeveloPPP Ventures, support entrepreneurs.

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1.BasiGo: A Cleaner Ride for Kenya

• Year Founded: 2021 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 1-10 | Founders: Jit Bhattacharya, Jonathan Green

BasiGo, established in 2021 and headquartered in Nairobi, redefines transportation in Kenya. With a focus on affordable and eco-friendly public transport options, the startup's electric bus pilot schemes have garnered impressive success. BasiGo recently secured $6.6 Million in funding to advance its electric vehicle assembly plans.

2. Zuri Health: Healthcare at Your Fingertips

• Year Founded: 2020 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 11-50 | Founders: Daisy Isiaho, Ikechukwu Anoke, Titilola Olaolu-Hassan

In 2020, Zuri Health emerged to revolutionize healthcare in Kenya. Operating from Nairobi, the startup offers a telehealth solution, making medical support easily accessible. Zuri Health's dedication to improving healthcare is reflected in its $1.5 Million funding raised across multiple rounds with the backing of fourteen investors.

3. Ilara Health: Making Healthcare Accessible

• Year Founded: 2019 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 101-250 | Founders: Amaan Banwait, Emilian Popa, Hannes Eckmayr, Maximilian Mancini, Sameer Farooqi

Founded in 2019, Ilara Health addresses the gap in primary care accessibility in Africa. Their network of health clinics in Nairobi offers affordable healthcare services, ensuring that healthcare becomes more inclusive. The startup's recent funding round in December 2022 raised an impressive $3.75 Million.

4. Mara: Empowering Financial Freedom

• Year Founded: 2021 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 51-100 | Founders: Chi Nnadi, Dearg OBartuin, Lucas Llinás Múnera

Established in 2021, Mara operates within the blockchain sphere, allowing Africans to use cryptocurrencies for financial growth. By harnessing the potential of cryptocurrencies, Mara empowers individuals to enhance their financial freedom. The startup recently secured $23 Million in funding to further its mission.

5. Kwanza Tukule: Transforming Supply Chains

• Year Founded: 2019 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 101-250 | Founders: Khadija Mohamed Churchill

Kwanza Tukule, founded in 2019 in Nairobi, focuses on enhancing supply chain efficiency through technology. By optimizing supply chains, the startup ensures fresher and safer produce for businesses and consumers. Although the exact funding remains undisclosed, the startup's success is evident.

6. Ed Partners: Empowering Education

• Year Founded: 2018 | HQ: Westlands | Size: 51-100 | Founders: David Fitzherbert, Lydia Koros

Established in 2018, Ed Partners aims to revolutionize education in Kenya. Operating from Westlands, the startup offers flexible and affordable school loans, fostering an environment where education is accessible. Their funding success includes raising $1.9 Million in their last funding round.

7. Shara: Financing Business Growth

• Year Founded: 2020 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 11-50 | Founders: Grant Brooke, Jordan Solomon

Shara, founded in 2020, thrives in FinTech by assisting businesses with customer order financing. By facilitating access to funding, Shara fuels sales growth and business expansion. The startup's impressive journey includes raising $6 Million with support from thirteen investors.

8. Watu Credit: Driving Mobility and Independence

• Year Founded: 2015 | HQ: Mombasa | Size: 101-250 | Founders: Andris Kaneps

Watu Credit, established in 2015 in Mombasa, operates in the FinTech sector by financing two- and three-wheel vehicles. The startup's focus on enhancing mobility and financial independence aligns with its recent funding success, raising $7 Million for expansion into Uganda.

9. Solar Panda: Illuminating Rural Lives

• Year Founded: 2017 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 51-100 | Founders: Andy Keith

Founded in 2017, Solar Panda tackles electricity access challenges in rural areas through solar panels. The startup significantly improves the quality of life by enabling communities to pay for electricity as they use it. Solar Panda's remarkable journey includes raising $15 Million in funding.

10. ZUMI: E-Commerce for All

Year Founded: 2016 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 101-250 | Founders: Mohamed Nuur, Sabrina Dorman, William McCarren

ZUMI, established in 2016, excels in E-Commerce, providing a platform for easy buying and selling of non-food items. By empowering Kenyans to engage in online commerce, ZUMI contributes to economic growth. The startup's funding journey involves raising $920,000 with support from six investors.

11. Fingo Africa: Nurturing Financial Literacy

• Year Founded: 2020 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 11-50 | Founders: Gitari Tirima, Ian Waiguru, James da Costa, Kiiru Muhoya

Founded in 2020, Fingo Africa focuses on FinTech, providing youths with essential financial literacy skills. By introducing bank accounts to the younger generation, the startup empowers them for a financially sound future. Fingo Africa has raised $4.1 Million from five investors.

12.AI Wakforce: Powering AI Development

• Year Founded: 2020 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 51-100 | Founders: Moses Njau

AI Wakforce, established in 2020, plays a pivotal role in AI development by offering dataset training services. The startup's contribution to advancing AI technology resonates within its Pre-Seed funding round. While the exact funding remains undisclosed, AI Wakforce's impact is undeniable.

13. Africa Data Centres: Fueling Technological Advancements

Year Founded: 2018 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 101-250 | Founders: Unavailable

Africa Data Centres, founded in 2018, operates in the technology sector, aiding other businesses' growth through advanced technology and data management services. With a staggering $83 Million raised from a single investor, the startup's influence on technology in Africa is substantial.

14. Badili: Transformative Phone Solutions

• Year Founded: 2022 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 1-10 | Founders: Rishabh Lawania

Badili, emerging in 2022, provides affordable smartphone solutions, enabling users to repair or replace their phones cost-effectively. Despite its relative youth, the startup has raised an impressive $3.9 Million from ten investors.

15. Koa: Pioneering Financial Modernization

• Year Founded: 2020 | HQ: Nairobi | Size: 11-50 | Founders: Alexis Roman, Delila Kidanu

Koa, established in 2020, champions financial modernization through APIs, empowering businesses to offer savings services. The startup's commitment to transforming the financial landscape is evident in its $2.7 Million funding journey with support from four investors.

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Conclusion

The Kenyan startup ecosystem is ablaze with innovation and growth, as these 15 startups exemplify. With each venture addressing unique challenges and contributing to various sectors, Kenya's position on the global entrepreneurial map is firmly established. These startups, driven by passion, dedication, and a thirst for innovation, are paving the way for a brighter future, not just within the nation but across the African continent and beyond.