Sanara, a creative economy initiative supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by HEVA Fund, SNDBX Ubuntu, Baraza Media Lab and GoDown Arts Centre, has deployed more than KES 1.2 billion through a combination of commercial financing and grants, supporting the growth of creative businesses across the country.
The initiative has financed more than 330 creative enterprises, equipped over 20,000 young creatives with business and technical skills and supported more than 3,000 creative startups across Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Kakamega and Turkana.
The milestones were presented during the Sanara Creative Economy Learning Forum in Nairobi, where investors, policymakers, financial institutions, development partners and industry leaders gathered to discuss innovative financing models that can accelerate growth within Kenya’s creative sector.
According to Sanara, applications for its Ota loan facilities have reached approximately KES 4 billion, significantly exceeding the available capital.
Speaking during the forum, Tabitha Masese, Program Manager at HEVA Fund, said the creative economy is increasingly demonstrating its investment potential.
“The creative economy is increasingly proving to be an investable sector. Our experience shows that when entrepreneurs have access to appropriate financing, business development support, technical skills and markets, they build resilient enterprises capable of creating jobs and contributing to economic growth. The insights emerging from Sanara provide practical evidence that can inform future investment, financing models and public policy.”
Beyond financing, the programme has invested in technical skills development, creative infrastructure mapping, market linkages and policy support in selected counties to strengthen the broader ecosystem required for long-term growth.
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