Meet the 2021 Class of the Governors Startup Challenge!

After an intense three months’ recruitment process that attracted 190 applications from over 15 counties in Kenya, Youth Empowerment Program Initiative (YEPI) is excited to announce the 10 Finalist for the 2021 Governors Startup Challenge. Meet these inspiring social entrepreneurs, innovators and problem solvers from around the coast region of Kenya.

These young entrepreneurs represent some of the best and brightest startups in Kenya and they have what it takes to solve the world’s most pressing issues. They take nothing for granted and pursue big ambitions.

Entrepreneur's Name: Biasha Zito

Business Name: Ahjar Enterprises

Location: Kwale County

The Pitch: "I am passionate about minerals and precious stones value addition. Ahjar Enterprises is a jewellery company that manufactures jewellery from low quality gemstones, quartz, mica and pyrite from artisanal miners. My mission is to promote a ready and fair market to sell the products of artisanal miners."

Entrepreneur's Name: Franklin Mwilo

Business Name: SaggaSouth Jeans and Fashion School

Location: Mombasa County

The Pitch: "I am committed to make urban youth from my community become prominent fashion designers. SaggaSouth is a clothing brand committed to make the world a better place by designing clothing brands for phenomenal people."

Entrepreneur's Name: Thueba Hussein