Kenyan innovators selected for GIST event in Washington

The three are Kate Kiguru, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ukall, Christopher Asego, director of operations and co-founder of Eneza Education, and Alex Mwaura Muriu, CEO of Farm Space Africa, who will travel to Washington DC, United States (US) to showcase their innovative startups and network with investors and the tech community.

GIST is an initiative started in 2011 for the purpose of empowering young science and technology based entrepreneurs. This initiative helps entrepreneurs address local and global challenges by augmenting their skills, building their networks and connecting them with mentors to help them realise their dreams.

“This is really encouraging for us as an incubator. The success of the startups that have gone through our programme definitely authenticates and validates our work and shows a great need for support and reinforcement of local innovations. It’s my hope that this will help fortify the growing need to invest in start-ups from both local and international investors,” said Sam Gichuru, CEO of Nailab.

The GIST Initiative builds entrepreneurial ecosystems through startup competitions, training, networking, and interactive mentorship in 54 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

“Traditionally, entrepreneurship has been a difficult proposition in many emerging economies and young innovators have obtained little support,” said Natalia Pipia, associate program director for entrepreneurship and innovation at CRDF Global.

“But programmes like GIST are changing that. In travelling to many of these countries, I see the spirit of entrepreneurship permeating these regions. Governments, private sector and non-profits are coming together and turning to entrepreneurship and innovation to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve quality of life.”