The SKIES initiative seeks to build a more inclusive, robust, and innovation-driven entrepreneurial landscape. By focusing on underserved and high-potential regions, it directly addresses systemic challenges facing startups and small businesses — from limited access to capital and technical support to inadequate exposure to networks and mentorship opportunities.

At Nakuru Box, our role has been instrumental in bridging these gaps. We’ve led the rollout of grassroots-level outreach and stakeholder engagement, facilitating information sessions across all six counties to raise awareness, build partnerships, and stimulate interest among aspiring entrepreneurs. These sessions surpassed attendance expectations, highlighting the high demand for such interventions and validating the need for ecosystem support in these regions.

Through SKIES, we have onboarded a diverse cohort of innovative startups and supported them with tailored business development services (BDS), mentorship from industry experts, access to digital skills training, legal and regulatory support, and opportunities to pitch for investment. By embedding these services within a structured, supportive environment, we have enabled participants not only to grow their ventures but to build resilient, scalable business models capable of withstanding market challenges.