- Ten student-led businesses at MMUST secure seed funding to support their growth.
- The winning entrepreneurs emerge from a competitive pitching contest involving 20 finalists.
- The successful ventures enter a six-month programme to strengthen operations and prepare for investment.
Ten university student-led businesses at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) have received a total of Ksh 1 million in seed funding to support their operations and expansion.
Each business was awarded Ksh 100,000 by Project LIAM Foundation on October 9, 2026, following a competitive pitching contest in Kakamega. Twenty finalists presented their business ideas to a selection panel.
The awards marked the conclusion of the first cohort of the Young Entrepreneurs Ignite Program (YEIP). The programme has equipped 270 MMUST students with entrepreneurial skills, including financial management, marketing and business development.
The winning enterprises comprised five early-stage businesses and five growth-stage ventures. They were selected for their potential to develop sustainable business models and compete in the market.
The early-stage businesses are NestCare, founded by Gard Ouma Auko; Expy, founded by Jeremiah Tangai; Arrow Forever Cleaning and Fumigation Company, founded by Atiakun Haron Ekisa; NutriHub, founded by Mary Kabibi Gungy; and Techfix Kenya, founded by Allan Korir.
The five growth-stage enterprises are MtaaNet, founded by Achacha Hedmon; Miyawa Kennedy, founded by Miyawa Kennedy; Campus Link, founded by Elam Kibaba; Bosii Enterprises, founded by Wamalwa Hosea Barasa; and Infinity African Hearts Safari, founded by Yondostar Muhambe.
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Project LIAM Foundation Executive Director Fred Akama said the initiative aims to empower young entrepreneurs to establish sustainable businesses, create employment and contribute to economic growth.
“We are investing in the potential of young entrepreneurs to create sustainable businesses, generate employment and drive economic growth,” Akama said. He added that the foundation’s support extends beyond funding to mentorship, skills development and opportunities for long-term success.
The programme began with the Young Entrepreneurs Business Summit on October 31, 2025. It was followed by training and mentorship sessions designed to prepare participants to establish and manage viable enterprises.
Participants received training in business model development, financial management, marketing, legal compliance and pitching. This was meant to strengthen their ability to navigate the challenges of running businesses.
MMUST School of Business and Economics Dean Dishon Munuhe Wanjere said the partnership was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical business experience.
He noted that the initiative would enable students to turn their academic knowledge into viable enterprises while promoting innovation, self-employment and economic empowerment.
The 10 successful businesses will now participate in a six-month Business Acceleration and Investor Readiness Programme. It is aimed at strengthening their operations and preparing them for future investment opportunities.
The programme will provide additional mentorship, financial and operational guidance, market linkages and opportunities to engage with potential investors.
It is also expected to help the enterprises improve management systems, strengthen financial planning and position themselves for expansion.
By Obegi Malack
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