7 female entrepreneurs receive Ksh.9.1M funding for tech-enabled solutions

On Friday, Standard Chartered Kenya, in partnership with Strathmore University's iBizAfrica, awarded the 7 projects Ksh 1.3 million each for developing high-impact, tech-enabled solutions for Kenya and beyond in the WIT Accelerator Programme.

The programme aims to empower women-led and women-owned enterprises with tools, training and funding needed to leverage technology and build scalable and innovative ideas that address Kenya’s challenges for sustainable growth.

“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,” Standard Chartered Kenya Board Director Nivi Sharma stated.

In July 2025, the selection panel received 84 applications from women-led enterprises across Kenya, and 15 were selected for a 12-week business accelerator programme focused on business modelling and product development, among other things.

“These women are reimagining industries and rewriting the story of African innovation. When women rise in technology, entire communities rise with them,” Dr Vincent Ogutu, Vice Chancellor of Strathmore University, said.

The selected projects have solutions that respond to Kenya’s evolving social and economic needs in sectors like education, health technology, community care, sustainability, food innovation and creative industries, with technology as a central enabler.

The programme started in 2017 and has received 1,621 applicants, supporting 8 cohorts (93 women-led ventures).