YES! On the Road | Nairobi Kenya
On 11 October 2024, the YES! On The Road Entrepreneurs Launch Pad arrived at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, creating a space for young innovators to share and develop their ideas in the growing energy sector. In partnership with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and other key collaborators, this event was designed to give aspiring entrepreneurs the tools, insights, and connections needed to transform their visions into real businesses.
What happened
We kicked off with a series of hands-on workshops and interactive sessions, where partners like Village Capital provided actionable advice on building successful business plans. Industry leaders also shared insights into the future of energy entrepreneurship, giving participants valuable tips on how to bring their projects to life.
The day culminated with the exciting Entrepreneurs Launch Pad competition, supported by GEAPP, who gave away 2x $5,500 grants to the winners. Eleven young entrepreneurs stepped up to present their innovative solutions in two key areas:
- Data & Digitization Solutions
- Fit-for-Purpose Electrical Appliances
The competition was intense, but two standout projects emerged: Brian Kinyua Nyambura from Hydro Soda Electric and Mercy Kyalo from Feion Green Ventures walked away with funding and mentorship to scale their game-changing ideas. See the brilliant entrepreneurs here!
Why It mattered
The event was more than just a competition—it was about collaboration, learning from experts, and building connections with like-minded peers. Attendees left with fresh insights on how to refine their business ideas, form partnerships, and leverage government support for their ventures.
What’s next
Couldn’t make it? You can still catch all the presentations and highlights on YES! Connect, our digital platform that helps you keep the momentum going. Network with fellow attendees, discover potential collaborators, and get the resources you need to take your ideas to the next level.
Looking ahead, stay tuned for more YES! On The Road events coming soon in Togo, Ivory Coast and South Africa. And don’t miss the next big gathering—the YES! Youth Energy Summit, set for June 18-20, 2025, in Cape Town!
Want to partner with us on this and other YES! On the Road Days? Get in touch!
Kenyatta University, Nairobi, 11 October 2024
Partners
Agenda
11 Oct 202407:30
| 60 mins
08:30
| 15 mins
Watering of the Trees Lead by: Charlene Ruto, Founder & Patron, Smachs Foundation & The Young Peoples Network International
08:45
| 15 mins
Opening Ceremony – Prayers & National Anthem, East African Anthem, Kenyatta University Anthem
09:15
| 30 mins
Speakers:
Dr Samuel Maina, Chairman Business Administration, Kenyatta University.
Professor Perez Onono Okello, Executive Dean (SBET), Kenyatta University.
Professor Waceke Wanjohi, Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University
Ernest Chitechi, Manager, Corporate Services, Climate Innovation Center (KCIC)
09:45
| 60 mins
Workshop Hosted by Smachs Foundation & & The Young Peoples Network International.
Inspirational Insights from Entrepreneurs and Their Journey
Scene Setting Address: Charlene Ruto, Founder & Patron, Smachs Foundation & The Young Peoples Network International
Moderator: Charlene Ruto, Founder & Patron, Smachs Foundation & The Young Peoples Network International
Entrepreneurs:
- Harman Singh, Co-Founder, Kalasik Organisation
- Sukhman Singh, Co-Founder, Kalasik Organisation
- Wyclife Ng’Ong’a, Founder, Faith Engineering
- Moses David Sayanda, Chief Operating Officer and Project Manager, Solar Photoelectricity Ltd
- Nyambura Nganga, Relationship Manager, Developers Club, KCB Bank Kenya
- Mary Chege, Chief legal Officer, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA)
Charlene Ruto, Founder & Patron – Smachs Foundation & The Young Peoples Network International
10:45
| 30 mins
11:15
| 45 mins
Putting Together a Successful Business Plan
Insight into the 7 steps as well as the dos and don’ts of building a scalable business plan
13:30
| 90 mins
Competition: Solutions in Data & Digitization:
Data & Digitization: The lack of reliable data and tools/systems is a significant barrier to data-driven decision-making, action, and creating platforms that aggregate and optimize capital. Addressing this could profoundly impact the energy and climate change sectors.
6 Shortlisted entrepreneurs will come face to face with an expert judging panel. The winner will walk away with $5,500 funding for their project.
Moderator: Simon Cooper, Partnerships Manager, YES!
Entrepreneurs Submitted by Kenya Climate Innovation Centre
- Brian Nyambura, Hydro Soda Electric
- Maxwell Opondo, Zero Bionic
Entrepreneurs Submitted by Kenyatta University
- Elizabeth Nzisa Musau, MySmartFarm
- Caroline Muriithi, Power Q
- Ouma Kennedy, SmartMicrogrid
Judging Panel:
- Victor Okinda, Manager, Solutions, Applied Innovation, GEAPP
- Evans Kayo, Chief Operating Officer, Verst Carbon
- Geoffrey Ronoh, Co-Founder & Technical Director, OFGEN
15:00
| 30 mins
15:30
90 mins
Fit-for-Purpose Electrical Appliances: Creating appliances specifically designed to meet the needs of emerging energy users can add immense value, generating jobs and promoting sustainable solutions across the continent.
A solution creating, prototyping, or improving productive use appliances.
6 Shortlisted entrepreneurs will come face to face with an expert judging panel. The winner will walk away with $5,500 funding for their project.
Moderator: Shiddika Mohamed, CEO, YES!
Entrepreneurs Submitted by Kenya Climate Innovation Centre
- Gladys Muoki, Ecolith Africa Solutions
- Yanic Atikhu, Solar Empower
- Mercy Kyalo, Feion Green Investment
Entrepreneurs Submitted by Kenyatta University
- Ian Muhuhu Chege, UmemeSense
- Mercy Kirui, SunriseKit
- Derrick Macharia, Pawanax
Judging Panel:
- Dennis Waweru, Manager, Energy Systems, GEAPP
- Bryan Micheni, Kenyan Energy Markets Working Group & KPLC Sustainability Working Group
- Anita Otubu, Senior Director, Universal Energy Facility (SEforALL)
17:00
| 10 mins
17:15
