Ten student-led businesses at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) have each secured Ksh.100,000 in seed funding to support their operations and expansion.

The funding, awarded by Project LIAM Foundation on October 9, followed a competitive pitching contest in Kakamega in which 20 finalists presented their business ideas before a selection panel.

The awards marked the conclusion of the first cohort of the Young Entrepreneurs Ignite Program (YEIP), which has trained 270 MMUST students in entrepreneurship, financial management, marketing and business development.

The 10 successful enterprises comprise five early-stage businesses and five growth-stage ventures selected for their potential to develop 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 seeks to help young people establish sustainable businesses capable of generating employment and contributing to economic growth.

“We are investing in the potential of young entrepreneurs to create sustainable businesses, generate employment and drive economic growth. Our commitment extends beyond funding to providing the mentorship, skills and opportunities necessary for long-term success,” he said.

The programme began with the Young Entrepreneurs Business Summit on October 31, 2025, before participants underwent training and mentorship to prepare them to establish and manage enterprises.

The training covered business model development, financial management, marketing, legal compliance and pitching, equipping participants with practical skills to navigate the challenges of running businesses.

MMUST School of Business and Economics Dean Dr Dishon Munuhe Wanjere said the partnership was designed to help students apply their academic knowledge in the business environment.

“This partnership enables students to translate classroom knowledge into viable enterprises, strengthening innovation, self-employment and economic empowerment,” he said.

The 10 winning businesses will now undergo a six-month Business Acceleration and Investor Readiness Programme, which will provide further mentorship, financial and operational guidance, market linkages and opportunities to connect with potential investors.

The programme is intended to help the enterprises strengthen their management systems, improve financial planning and prepare for possible investment as they seek to expand their operations.

The funding comes amid efforts to encourage entrepreneurship among young people, with the programme targeting the development of sustainable youth-led businesses that can create jobs and contribute to local economic activity.

For the 10 beneficiaries, the next phase will involve deploying the Ksh.100,000 awards towards their business priorities while participating in the six-month acceleration programme.