Kenya's boldest founders, 25 and under.
+21Meet the 2026 Top 25 Under 25: young innovators vetted by KCA University and partner organisations for the impact they are already making across Kenya.
In partnership with
Top 25 Under 25 is Kenya's recognition of the young founders making the greatest impact. Twenty-five innovators, aged 25 and under, vetted by KCA University and partner organisations and backed with mentors, partners and visibility so their ventures move from promise to proof.
And the Top 25 Under 25 are...
Maxwell Opondo
ZeroBionic
Technology & AINorah Kimathi
ZeroBionic
Technology & AIBranice Kazira
Signvrse
Technology & AIAbdihamid Hassan
Arda Link AI
Agribusiness
Robert Mwatua
FarmGuard
Technology & AI
Shawn Dalmas
Dalmas Creations
Creative & Sports
Maurice Muendo Musyoki
Film Plug
Creative & Sports
Ruth Apondi
Smart Mama
Healthcare
David Nandwa
HoneyCoin
Financial Services
James Ruigu
Attic; LinkedIn Local Nairobi
Open Category
Collins Kathuli
Kyanda Africa
Financial Services
Janet Dete
Queening Afrika
Social Enterprise
Fredrick Njoroge Kariuki
HewaSafi
Social Enterprise
Miron Onsarigo
HewaSafi
Social Enterprise
Winnie Wambui
Harcourt Agri-Eco Farm
Agribusiness
Mary Mueni
Poultry and aquatic fern farming
Agribusiness
Zinzia Adhiambo
Travelvia Friends & Explorers
Hospitality & Travel
Bahja Alinoor
Canopy Café
Hospitality & Travel
Matt Magera
Jobzy
Retail & Commerce
Kelvin Mwaniki
G-Tech
Technology & AIMaxwell Kamau
Bunifu Youths Kenya
Education
Noreen Mwancha
Rethread Africa
ManufacturingNinah Muli Wayua
Dairy Sense
Agribusiness
Esbon Ogeto
EcoBlu
Social Enterprise
Marilyn Gathiru
Kilimora
AgribusinessThat's the Class of 2026.
Read every Fellow's story, filter by category and share the list.
See all 25 profilesVetted by KCA University and partner organisations.
- Every Fellow was identified and vetted internally by KCA University and partner organisations, not by public vote.
- KCA University's innovation function delivers the Fellowship's workshops, mentorship and capacity building.
- Together we arrived at the 25 young founders making the greatest impact across Kenya.
Vetted for impact, not popularity
No applications and no public vote. KCA University and partner organisations scouted, verified and deliberated to arrive at the 25 founders making the greatest impact.
Scout
Candidates were identified through KCA University's innovation network, partner organisations, accelerators, award programmes and national media.
Verify
Each candidate was checked for age (25 or under), an active founder role and a venture operating for at least a year.
Assess impact
Ventures were weighed on innovation, traction, scalability, leadership and the difference they make in their communities.
Deliberate
KCA University and partner organisations reviewed the shortlist together, balancing sectors, gender and regions.
Recognise
The 25 founders making the greatest impact were named the Top 25 Under 25 Class of 2026.
Thirteen ways to change the game
Every sector is eligible, including a dedicated category for innovators living with disabilities.
Agribusiness
Agriculture, food systems, agri-processing, food security, sustainable farming and agri-tech.
NWTechnology & AI
AI, software, automation, digital infrastructure, SaaS, data systems and emerging technologies.
Creative & Sports
Fashion, media, music, film, beauty, art, design, photography, sports and the wider creative economy.
Social Enterprise
Purpose-driven ventures tackling social and environmental challenges, including the green and blue economy.
Education
Education, skills development, workforce training, EdTech and human capital development.
Manufacturing
Scalable manufacturing, industrial solutions, production systems and locally developed products.
Retail & Commerce
E-commerce, modern retail, digital marketplaces, logistics-enabled commerce and D2C brands.
Financial Services
Payments, banking, lending, insurance, investment, digital finance and financial access.
Real Estate
Real estate, housing, construction, infrastructure, PropTech and modern city development.
10 · 2 FellowsHospitality & Travel
Hospitality, tourism, travel, restaurants, luxury experiences and cultural destinations.
Healthcare
Healthcare, wellness, fitness, medical innovation, health technology and mental wellness.
Living with Disabilities
A dedicated category for outstanding ventures founded by young people living with disabilities, in any sector.
13 · 1 FellowOpen Category
For exceptional ventures that do not fit neatly within the categories above.
More than a title
A twelve-month fellowship journey delivered with KCA University and our partner organisations.
National recognition
Official certification as a Top 25 Under 25 Fellow and a public profile that tells your story.
Mentorship
Access to experienced entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts.
Capacity building
Workshops on business modelling, pitching, financial management and product development through KCA University.
Networking
Structured connections to corporates, investors, partner organisations and government agencies.
Media visibility
Profiles in partner media outlets and across the programme's digital channels.
Pitch opportunities
Pathways to investor forums and demo days, plus lifetime membership of the alumni network.
Celebrate Kenya's next generation of founders.
Explore the 2026 Fellows, share their stories, or partner with us on mentorship and the 2027 edition.