Nairobi: Standard Chartered Kenya, in partnership with @iBizAfrica – Strathmore University, today celebrated the graduation of Cohort 8 of the Women in Tech (WiT) Accelerator Programme. The initiative is designed to support women entrepreneurs in the technology sector, equipping participants with mentorship, technical skills, and business development guidance to scale their ventures. As part of the graduation, Sh9.1 million in seed funding was awarded, with Sh1.3 million each going to seven exceptional women-led enterprises.
According to Kenya News Agency, the programme, now in its eighth year, aims to empower women-led and women-owned enterprises with the tools, training, and funding needed to leverage technology and build scalable, innovative businesses that address Kenya’s pressing economic and environmental challenges for sustainable growth and social impact. A World Bank study highlighted that women-owned businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa contribute up to 13% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) yet generate 23% less revenue than male-owned firms, indicating a Sh41 trillion ($316 billion) opportunity if the gap closes and with further digital adoption.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director of iLabAfrica and iBizAfrica at Strathmore University, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to shaping ethical, future-ready African innovators. He stated, “These women are reimagining industries and rewriting the story of African innovation. Their courage, creativity, and commitment to impact reflect the very essence of Strathmore University’s mission to develop leaders who transform society. When women rise in technology, entire communities rise with them.”
Launched in July 2025, the eighth cohort received 84 applications from women-led enterprises across Kenya, with fifteen selected for a 12-week business accelerator programme focused on sustainability, ESG integration, financial and business modelling, and product development. Funding recipients were chosen through a thorough judging process by industry experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and academic leaders, who assessed innovation, market opportunity, and social impact, equipping participants to build scalable, impact-driven businesses.
Standard Chartered Kenya Board Director Nivi Sharma commented, “Every woman graduating today represents resilience, vision, and the power of possibility. It is an honour to celebrate innovators who are breaking barriers and creating impact in their communities. Through the Women in Tech Programme, Standard Chartered continues to invest intentionally in women because we know that when women lead, innovation becomes more inclusive, sustainable, and far-reaching. These graduates are setting the pace for Kenya’s future.”
The 15 startups in this cohort represent Kenya’s most dynamic sectors, including education, health technology, community care, sustainability, food innovation, and creative industries. Their solutions respond directly to Kenya’s evolving social and economic needs, with technology as a central enabler. The seven awarded women-led startups demonstrated excellence based on the top three criteria: solution innovation, availability of market opportunity, and social impact in Kenya, among others.
The 7 winners of this year’s cohort 8 Programme are Etiba East Africa, UzimaNexus, Pollen Patrollers, Tuwe Bora, Busu Skincare, Timao Group, and AshaCare. These startups offer innovative solutions ranging from in-home medical services, healthcare operating systems, smart hive-monitoring technology, sustainable textiles, natural skincare, eco-friendly construction materials, to community healthcare solutions.
The programme has received over 1,621 applicants and has successfully supported eight cohorts (93 women-led ventures) with 46 businesses receiving a total of Sh50.6 million (USD460,000) in funding. These startups have also benefited from non-financial expertise, including mentorship, business advisory, coaching, networking, and investor opportunities. Standard Chartered data shows that WIT alumni have gone on to create an average of three new jobs per business, resulting in a total of 280 jobs. Bena Care Ltd, an outstanding WIT alumnus, has generated over Sh2.47 billion in annual revenue by offering affordable home-based nursing care and in-home therapy for patients in need of long-term care.
