Ten student-led businesses at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) have received a total of Sh1 million in seed funding to support their operations and expansion.
Each business was awarded Sh100,000 by Project LIAM Foundation on October 9, after a competitive pitching contest in Kakamega in which 20 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), which has equipped 270 MMUST students with entrepreneurial skills, including financial management, marketing and business development.
The winners comprise five early-stage businesses and five growth-stage ventures, selected for their potential to build 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 Gunga; and Techfix Kenya, founded by Allan Korir.
The 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.
Project LIAM Foundation Executive Director Bishop Dr Fred Akama said the initiative aims to empower young entrepreneurs to establish sustainable businesses, create jobs and contribute to economic growth.
"We are investing in the potential of young entrepreneurs to create sustainable businesses, generate employment and drive economic growth," he said. He added that the foundation's support goes beyond funding to include mentorship, skills development and opportunities for long-term success.
The programme began with the Young Entrepreneurs Business Summit on October 31, 2025, followed by training and mentorship sessions. Participants were trained in business model development, financial management, marketing, legal compliance and pitching.
MMUST School of Business and Economics Dean Dr Dishon Munuhe Wanjere said the partnership was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical business experience. He said it would enable students to turn their academic knowledge into viable enterprises while promoting innovation, self-employment and economic empowerment.
The 10 winning businesses will now join a six-month Business Acceleration and Investor Readiness Programme. It will provide additional mentorship, financial and operational guidance, market linkages and opportunities to meet potential investors, and is expected to help the enterprises improve management systems, strengthen financial planning and prepare for expansion.
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