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, designed to support women entrepreneurs in the technology sector, equips 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.
In its eighth year, the programme 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.
According to a World Bank study, Women-owned businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa contribute up to 13% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generate 23% less revenue than male-owned firms, highlighting 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.
“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.”
The eighth cohort, launched in July 2025, 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 said, “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, who Provides in-home medical and wellness services for patients needing personalised, convenient health support.
UzimaNexus – A digital operating system improving healthcare transparency, access, and efficiency for patients and providers.
Pollen Patrollers – Builds smart hive-monitoring technology to help beekeepers reduce colony loss and improve bee health.
Tuwe Bora – A sustainable textile brand producing handcrafted clothing, training tailors, and recycling textile waste.
Other winners are Busu Skincare – Develops natural, community-powered African skincare products using locally sourced ingredients. Timao Group – Converts plastic waste into affordable, eco-friendly building materials for sustainable construction and AshaCare provides tailored community healthcare solutions to improve access, quality, and delivery of care.
The programme has received over 1,621 applicants, successfully supporting 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 on average three new jobs per business, creating a total of 280 jobs.
Bena Care Ltd, an outstanding WIT alumnus that offers affordable home-based nursing care and in-home therapy for patients in need of long-term care, has gone on to generate over Sh2.47billion in annual revenue.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
