Best Business Incubators and Accelerators in Kenya

(2025 Edition)

Where startups grow: funding, mentorship, and innovation hubs across the country

Kenya’s startup ecosystem in 2025 is thriving, with incubators and accelerators playing a central role in nurturing early-stage businesses. These programs offer entrepreneurs access to funding, mentorship, office space, technical support, and investor networks. From Nairobi’s tech corridors to Kisumu’s innovation hubs, Kenya’s incubators are helping founders turn bold ideas into scalable ventures.

This guide reviews the top incubators and accelerators in Kenya today, including private hubs, university-based centers, and government-backed programs.

1. iHub Nairobi

  • Founded: 2010
  • Focus: Technology, education, and social impact
  • Programs: EdTech Fellowship (2023–2025), Uni:nnovators Spark Accelerator
  • Support Offered: Equity-free funding, product development, learning science, and business advisory
  • Notable Partners: Mastercard Foundation, CcHub

iHub remains one of Kenya’s most influential innovation centers, supporting startups with tailored mentorship and access to over 1,200 corporate executives and 998 global investors.

2. Nailab Accelerator

  • Founded: 2011
  • Focus: Tech startups and social enterprises
  • Program Duration: 6 months
  • Support Offered: Training, funding, mentorship, and community building

Nailab has supported over 40 startups and continues to run sector-specific programs, including virtual platforms like Community Mwanzo for remote entrepreneurs.

3. Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre

  • Location: Kenyatta University
  • Focus: Student and non-student entrepreneurs
  • Program Duration: 6–12 months
  • Support Offered: IP management, technology transfer, incubation, and partner connections

Chandaria allocates 70% of its slots to KU students and 30% to external applicants, fostering innovation through structured training and mentorship.

4. Catalyst Fund

  • Funding Pool: $40 million
  • Focus: Climate resilience, financial inclusion, and essential services
  • Support Offered: Pre-seed funding, technical expertise, business model refinement, and investor access

Catalyst Fund targets startups serving underserved and climate-vulnerable communities, offering hands-on acceleration and strategic guidance.

5. Pangea Accelerator

  • Origin: Kenyan-Norwegian venture builder
  • Focus: Impact-driven startups
  • Support Offered: Capital, operational support, investor matchmaking, and strategic partnerships

Pangea acts as a co-founder to startups, offering deep involvement in business development and scaling.

6. Ilab Africa (Strathmore University)

  • Focus: Technology-driven ventures
  • Support Offered: Office space, mentorship, coaching, and seed funding
  • Program Duration: Several months

Ilab Africa connects startups with academic expertise and research facilities, helping them refine products and secure additional funding.

7. LakeHub Kisumu

  • Focus: Regional startups and youth innovation
  • Program Duration: 6 months
  • Funding: Top 3 startups receive $5,000 each
  • Support Offered: Training, mentorship, and community engagement

LakeHub is a leading incubator in Western Kenya, supporting tech and creative ventures with localized resources.

8. MEST Africa

  • Founded: 2008
  • Focus: Software and tech startups
  • Program Duration: 1 year
  • Support Offered: Training, seed funding (up to $100,000), office space, and global investor access

MEST combines education, mentoring, and funding to help African entrepreneurs build scalable tech companies.

9. GrowthAfrica

  • Focus: Business coaching and virtual incubation
  • Support Offered: Mentorship, funding access, technology transfer, and networking

GrowthAfrica’s virtual model allows startups across Kenya to benefit from its services, regardless of location.

10. Government-Backed Programs

Whitebox Kenya

  • Managed by: Ministry of ICT
  • Focus: Local innovators and digital entrepreneurs
  • Support Offered: Market access, IP protection, and government procurement pathways

Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI)

  • Program: Technology Business Incubator
  • Focus: Tech-based enterprises
  • Support Offered: R&D resources, technology transfer, and commercialization support

These programs aim to integrate innovation into national development and support startups aligned with Vision 2030.

Final Thoughts

Kenya’s incubators and accelerators in 2025 are more diverse, inclusive, and impact-driven than ever. Whether you’re building a climate-tech startup, a mobile app, or a social enterprise, these hubs offer the tools, networks, and funding to help you grow.