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33 Startups in Kenya to Watch This Year

March 23, 2025

Kenya’s startup ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, positioning itself as a leading hub for innovation in Africa.

In this article, we highlight 25 startups in Kenya to watch this year, showcasing their innovative approaches and impact on various sectors.

33 Startups in Kenya to Watch This Year

1. M-KOPA

M-KOPA is a pioneering fintech company that provides pay-as-you-go financing for essential products like solar energy systems, smartphones, and household appliances. By enabling low-income households to access these products through affordable installments, M-KOPA has connected over 750,000 homes in East Africa to solar energy. The company’s expansion into locally assembled smartphones and electric motorcycles demonstrates its commitment to broadening financial inclusion and sustainable energy solutions.

2. Branch

Branch is a fintech startup offering mobile-based financial services, including loans, investment options, and bill payments. By assessing creditworthiness through smartphone data, Branch extends financial services to individuals lacking traditional banking access, promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment.

3. Wasoko (formally Sokowatch)

Wasoko is transforming informal retail by digitizing supply chains. Its platform enables small shops to order products, manage inventory, and access credit via a user-friendly app. By streamlining operations, Wasoko enhances efficiency and profitability for small businesses, contributing to the modernization of Africa’s retail sector.

4. Safiri Salama

SafiriSalama is a Kenyan deathtech startup that has introduced Africa’s first end-of-life digital services platform, aiming to modernize and streamline the funeral planning process for bereaved families. Founded in 2018 by John Nyongesa, the platform was inspired by personal experiences and a recognized need for accessible, organized funeral services in Kenya.

5. Lori Systems

Lori Systems addresses logistics challenges with a data-driven platform connecting shippers and transporters. By optimizing routes and reducing costs, Lori Systems improves supply chain efficiency across Africa. Their focus on sustainability underscores the potential of technology to enhance both economic and environmental outcomes.

6. Penda Health

Penda Health aims to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable through a network of clinics offering comprehensive services. By leveraging technology to streamline operations and reduce costs, Penda Health provides high-quality care to underserved populations, addressing critical healthcare challenges.

7. Taimba

Taimba connects farmers directly with consumers via a mobile platform, ensuring fresh produce reaches markets efficiently. By reducing intermediaries, Taimba offers fair prices to farmers and affordable produce to consumers, enhancing food distribution and supporting agricultural communities.

8. Ankole Luxury

Ankole Luxury is a sustainable Kenyan brand that specializes in handcrafted jewelry and accessories, founded in 2019 by entrepreneur Veronica Nyakianda Gakio. The brand emphasizes the artistry of local craftsmanship, utilizing ethically sourced materials such as repurposed horn, brass, and semi-precious stones to create unique pieces. Each item, including necklaces, earrings, bangles, and cufflinks, showcases individuality and refined craftsmanship.

9. M-Shule

M-Shule utilizes artificial intelligence to offer personalized learning experiences for students. By tailoring educational content to individual needs, M-Shule enhances learning outcomes and engagement, contributing to improved educational standards in Kenya.

10. Lynk

Lynk connects informal workers with job opportunities through a digital platform, allowing them to showcase skills and access training. By formalizing the informal sector, Lynk improves transparency and efficiency, empowering workers and contributing to economic development.

11. Kopo Kopo

Kopo Kopo simplifies digital payments for small businesses by integrating mobile money solutions. This enables merchants to accept payments seamlessly, promoting financial inclusion and supporting the growth of small enterprises. Kopo Kopo’s acquisition by Moniepoint underscores its significant role in Kenya’s fintech landscape.

12. Craydel

Craydel is an ed-tech startup enhancing access to education through a unified university applications platform. By offering personalized recommendations and streamlining application processes, Craydel assists African students in pursuing higher education opportunities abroad. Its expansion into multiple African markets highlights its growing influence.

13. Hisa

Hisa democratizes investment by allowing users to invest in Kenyan and global assets, including stocks, bonds, and ETFs, with low barriers to entry. By making investments accessible, Hisa promotes financial literacy and participation in capital markets. Its acquisition by Rise reflects its impact in the fintech sector.

14. Shukhiba

Shukhiba is a social commerce startup enabling customers to order products via WhatsApp, transforming the shopping experience. By leveraging a widely used messaging platform, Shukhiba makes e-commerce accessible and convenient, particularly for underserved communities.

15. Moma Renewable Energy

Moma Renewable Energy produces liquid renewable fuels derived from food waste and by-products. By converting waste into energy, Moma addresses environmental challenges and provides sustainable fuel alternatives, contributing to Kenya’s green energy initiatives.

16. Hayah Cradle to Bloom

Hayah Cradle to Bloom is an AI-powered platform focused on educating and empowering mothers, enhancing their well-being. By providing tailored information and support, Hayah contributes to maternal health and family welfare, leveraging technology for social good.

17. Zidallie

Zidallie offers transportation services dedicated to safe and efficient student pick-ups and drop-offs. By addressing safety concerns in student transportation, Zidallie provides peace of mind to parents and contributes to the well-being of students.

18. Omina Otsieno

Omina Otsieno is a Kenyan sustainable fashion brand founded by Sylvia Omina in 2017. Initially focusing on clothing and yarn jewelry, the brand transitioned in 2021 to specialize in crafting jewelry from banana fiber, emphasizing eco-friendly and ethical practices. The production process begins with harvesting banana stems, extracting the fibers, and weaving them into unique jewelry pieces.

19. Gwiji for Women

Gwiji for Women is a tech-based social enterprise that economically empowers women from urban informal settlements by connecting them with clients in need of casual cleaning services. Through its mobile app platform, Gwiji enables these women, often referred to as ‘Mama Fua’, to receive cleaning orders directly on their phones, allowing them to earn a steady income and support their families.

Since its launch in May 2022, Gwiji has facilitated over 2,000 cleaning orders, connecting more than 150 women with over 500 clients. By providing digital literacy education and domestic work skills training, Gwiji enhances the employability of these women, raising their average daily income from less than $2 to $8.

20. M-TIBA

M-TIBA is a mobile health platform that enables users to save, send, receive, and pay for medical services through their mobile phones. By partnering with healthcare providers and insurers, M-TIBA facilitates access to quality healthcare for low-income populations, promoting financial inclusion and improved health outcomes.

21. Sendy

Sendy is a logistics platform offering on-demand delivery services for businesses and individuals. By connecting customers with drivers through a mobile app, Sendy streamlines the delivery process, enhancing efficiency and reliability in the logistics sector.

22. Copia

Copia is an e-commerce platform targeting underserved consumers in rural areas. By combining online shopping with a network of local agents, Copia provides access to a wide range of products at affordable prices, bridging the gap between urban and rural markets.

23. SunCulture

SunCulture develops solar-powered irrigation systems for smallholder farmers. By providing affordable and sustainable technology, SunCulture enhances agricultural productivity, food security, and income for farming communities.

24. Flare

Flare is an emergency response platform that connects users to the nearest available ambulances and emergency services. By reducing response times and improving coordination, Flare enhances emergency medical care and saves lives.

25. Ilara Health

Ilara Health provides affordable diagnostic equipment to primary healthcare clinics. By equipping clinics with modern tools, Ilara Health improves diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes, strengthening the healthcare system.

26. Apollo Agriculture

Apollo Agriculture uses technology to provide farmers with financing, inputs, and advice to increase their productivity and profitability. By leveraging data analytics and mobile platforms, Apollo Agriculture supports small-scale farmers in achieving sustainable growth.

27. Called To Purpose

Founded by Sylvia Wambui, a storyteller and faith-based coach, Called To Purpose is a Kenyan online coaching and mentoring service dedicated to empowering visionaries and leaders to discover and fulfill their purpose. The organization focuses on helping individuals align their personal and professional lives with their core values and aspirations. Wambui’s leadership emphasizes the integration of faith and personal development, guiding clients toward meaningful and purpose-driven lives.

28. Ohospital Cloud Limited

Ohospital Cloud Limited is revolutionizing the healthcare sector by providing cloud-based telehealth solutions. Their platform enables patients to consult with healthcare professionals remotely, enhancing access to medical services, especially in underserved regions. By integrating electronic medical records and telemedicine, Ohospital Cloud Limited aims to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

29. Cellulant

Cellulant is a leading fintech company offering digital payment solutions across Africa. Their platform connects businesses and consumers, facilitating seamless transactions and financial inclusion. By providing innovative payment solutions, Cellulant is driving economic growth and supporting the digital economy in Kenya and beyond.

30. Neural Labs Africa

Neural Labs Africa specializes in artificial intelligence diagnostics, focusing on enhancing medical imaging analysis. Their AI-driven solutions assist healthcare professionals in accurately diagnosing diseases, leading to timely interventions and improved patient care. By leveraging advanced technology, Neural Labs Africa is contributing to the modernization of healthcare services.

31. HyaPak

HyaPak is an innovative startup addressing environmental challenges by converting invasive water hyacinths into biodegradable packaging materials. By employing local communities to harvest and process the plant, HyaPak not only provides eco-friendly packaging solutions but also creates sustainable livelihoods, tackling both ecological and economic issues.

32. Braiding Nairobi

Braiding Nairobi is a digital platform connecting hair braiders with clients, streamlining the process of booking braiding services. By offering an app-based solution, the startup empowers hair braiders, many of whom lack digital literacy, to reach a broader customer base, thereby enhancing their income and bridging the digital gender gap.

33. Tatu City

Tatu City is a privately-owned “startup city” on the outskirts of Nairobi, designed to accommodate 250,000 residents. Covering 5,000 acres, it has attracted numerous businesses and residents, offering high-quality infrastructure and a conducive environment for economic activities. Tatu City exemplifies innovative urban development, addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization in Africa.

These 33 startups exemplify the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit driving Kenya’s economy forward. As they continue to grow and expand, they not only contribute to economic development but also address critical challenges in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and renewable energy. Keeping an eye on these companies offers insight into the future trajectory of Kenya’s startup ecosystem.

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