Exploring Africa, just a moment...
Since the early 2000s, Kenya began taking baby steps towards improving its tech scene. And a decade later, the results are showing, with Kenya gaining the "Silicon Savannah" title. But that's not all. Tech startups are popping like wildfire, raising KSH 127.2 billion ($800 million) in capital in 2023. All this has been made possible by a vibrant network of tech hubs across the country that incubate talent, offer workspaces, training, and support early-stage startups. As you read on, you'll find 5 top tech hubs that are behind Kenya's tech revolution.
1. iHub
Purpose
Kenya’s tech story would feel incomplete without mentioning iHub. This gem was founded in 2010 by Erik Hersman, Juliana Rotich, David Kobia, and Jessica Colaço in Nairobi, with financial support from Omidyar Network and Hivos. Initially, it used to help young developers and entrepreneurs build tech solutions by providing free internet, workspace, and a supportive community. After its acquisition by Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) Africa in 2019, it now offers mentorship, business support, startup workshops, and funding, thanks to support from investors like Safaricom, Google, Oracle, and SEACOM.
Community
Community and collaboration are the heart of iHub. With a dynamic network of founders, creatives, and freelancers across Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Namibia, iHub supports innovators through programs like the EdTech Fellowship with Mastercard Foundation, HEI Uni: Innovators, and the Spark Accelerator by Safaricom, linking startups with educators, investors, and policymakers across Africa.
Impact
iHub’s impact runs deep. It has supported over 450 startups, including Angaza Elimu, Elewa, Virtual Essence, and Zydii, and directly empowered over 5,000 individuals. For instance, Cynthia, 19, touched her first computer at iHub and is now learning data science. Former team members like Jessica Colaço went on to co-found Brave Venture Labs, Leo Mutuku founded Intelipro, and Mark Kamau now leads UX at BRCK. iHub has reached over 1 million people through events like the Nairobi EdTech Festival and Legal Clinic w/Agema Analysts.
Ready to innovate? Join the iHub community now.
2. Nailab
Purpose
In 2010, Sam Gichuru launched Nailab to offer young entrepreneurs a shared space and a break from high rent costs. It soon grew into one of Kenya’s top startup accelerators. Nailab now supports African founders through programs like LEAP², Make IT, and iAccelerator. It tackles key challenges like access to capital and business skills, while offering mentorship, strong networks, and practical resources to build scalable solutions in healthtech, agritech, fintech, and education.
Community
Nailab’s community stretches across Africa, from Kenya to Nigeria, Rwanda to Mozambique. Through initiatives like the Mwanzo Virtual Platform it brings together founders, mentors, investors, and partners. Entrepreneurs gain peer support and practical skills. Mentors offer guidance. Investors discover promising ventures. And partners help grow an ecosystem built on shared purpose.
Impact
Over the years, Nailab has backed over 30 startups solving Africa’s toughest challenges. From MediConnect, a digital health platform, to SolarHub clean energy in Tanzania and PayEase mobile finance for the unbanked in Nigeria, Nailab’s support has fueled growth and long-term impact. Through programs like Innovate 4 Life, I AM, and The IDEA Initiative Africa, Nailab has supported over 50 entrepreneurs, channeling more than $230,000 in seed funding. Founders like Munira Twahir (founder of Ari) and Gabriel Mwaingo (founder of Eco Print Generation) credit Nailab’s mentorship for refining their models, unlocking funding, and expanding reach across Africa.
Start, scale, and succeed. Apply to Nailab as a founder.
3. LakeHub
Purpose
LakeHub was founded in 2013 in Kisumu, Kenya, by James Odede and Dorcas Owinoh. Their mission? To empower Africa’s youth with tech skills that open real opportunities. Through programs like the tuition-free Zone 01 Kisumu, LakeHub helps young people learn, connect, and grow. No coding experience is needed, just curiosity and the drive to build a brighter future.
Community
LakeHub’s community includes students, developers, creatives, young professionals, alumni, mentors, and investors, all connected by a passion for tech and impact. Programs like FemiDevs support girls in tech through mentorship and hands-on learning. The Engendering Mentorship (e-GEM) program helps female students facing dropout risks by creating a supportive university environment and boosting their confidence to pursue careers in tech, innovation, and business. With job placements, alumni support, and partnerships with brands such as Talent Africa, Planet Wheeler, and Segal Family Foundation, LakeHub continues to nurture growth, resilience, and opportunity.
Impact
Since 2019, LakeHub Academy has trained over 600 youth in software engineering, guided by a team of tech and business professionals. Through initiatives like Pepea with AgriBiz, young agripreneurs in Western Kenya receive training, mentorship, and seed funding to scale ventures in poultry, apiculture, passion fruits, and groundnuts. The Woman Founders Award uplifts women entrepreneurs in rural East Africa with access to finance and mentorship. Each story, like Rose’s journey from teacher to coder, reflects LakeHub’s quiet but powerful impact
Change your story with code and community—apply to join LakeHub.
4. SwahiliBox
Purpose
SwahiliBox began in 2015 when Ahmed Maawy imagined a thriving space for tech, creativity, and community on Kenya’s coast. Today, this Mombasa-based hub empowers local talent through mentorship and training. With innovation at its core, SwahiliBox helps passionate minds transform ideas into solutions that matter.
Community
SwahiliBox brings together developers, creatives, entrepreneurs, students, investors, and mentors in a shared space for learning and innovation. Powered by M-Power CBO, it allows diverse minds to meet and exchange ideas, build solutions, and drive meaningful change across Kenya’s coast.
Impact
SwahiliBox is laying a solid foundation for Mombasa’s tech future. From Swahilibox’s testimonial page, Abae, founder of FindX SuperApp, calls it a place where relaxation meets brainstorming, a space where startups spark to life. Kelyn, a blue economy entrepreneur, finds it ideal for focused work and meaningful events. For Mat, an innovator from Mount Kenya University, it is a nurturing tech family, while student Omondi calls it an IT oasis perfect for study. From designers to bloggers, real people are growing real ventures here.
Want to know more about Swahilibox? Contact them today.
5. Mt.Kenya Hub
Purpose
Founded in 2015 by software developer Savio Wambugu, Mt. Kenya Hub is an innovation and business center inspired by the structure of a beehive—organized, collaborative, and purpose-driven. The hub supports underdog entrepreneurs through incubation, acceleration, co-working spaces, research, training, and consultancy.
Community
Mt. Kenya Hub brings together bold thinkers, including innovators, researchers, startups, and creatives who are ready to build, learn, and lead. Whether through pitch breakfasts or the Mt. Kenya Innovation and Investment Week, members tap into a rich network of mentors, investors like the Segal Family Foundation and UNDP, and peers who challenge ideas, spark growth, and turn ambition into action.
Impact
Mt. Kenya Hub has empowered doers and dreamers tackling real-world challenges. From Agrisafe’s climate-smart beekeeping with over 300 beekeepers to Pure Planet Recyclers’ plastic reuse that keeps cities like Nairobi free of litter, the hub backs ventures that protect the planet while creating jobs. Digital Farmer connects growers to tools and markets, while Eden Ecotech’s solar bins spark cleaner cities. Whether it’s trees, tech, or waste, every startup nurtured here solves a problem.
Are you looking for a community of innovators turning bold ideas into real impact? Join Mt. Kenya Hub today.
Kenya’s Tech Future Is Unfolding
Across Kenya, tech hubs hum with quiet determination. They’re not just places to work, they’re places to belong. Here, young minds gather, not just to build apps, but to build futures. And as ideas take root in shared spaces, a new chapter of Kenyan innovation begins, fueled by hope and hustle.
