Recognition for the founders making real impact.
Top 25 Under 25 identifies and celebrates Kenya's most impactful young innovators and entrepreneurs aged 25 and below. Fellows are vetted internally by KCA University and partner organisations. Powered by SQOO Global.
Kenya has one of the youngest populations on earth. Young founders already power its most dynamic sectors, yet they keep hitting the same walls: capital, mentors, visibility and a clear path to scale.
Credible recognition signals quality to the market. A fellowship provides skills and networks young founders cannot buy. A national platform gives corporates, government and development partners one place to find and back youth-led ventures. Top 25 Under 25 brings all three together.
Vetted 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.
Five steps to the Top 25
Internal vetting by KCA University and partner organisations, focused on the impact each founder is already making.
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.
Who can be recognised
25 or below
At the time of vetting.
At least one year
Operating with demonstrated traction or impact: customers, revenue, users, beneficiaries or measurable outcomes.
Founder or co-founder
Actively leading the venture day to day.
Every sector
Technology, agriculture, creative industries, social enterprise, manufacturing, finance, health, education, hospitality and more.
Anywhere in Kenya
Fellows in 2026 come from Nairobi, Isiolo, Kisumu, Nakuru, Makueni, Nandi, Kiambu and beyond.
How impact is judged
Innovation and originality, impact and traction, scalability, leadership and alignment with the category.
What every Fellow receives
A twelve-month journey delivered with KCA University and 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.
Thirteen categories
Fellows are recognised across thirteen categories.
Agribusiness and Food Systems Innovation
Agriculture, food systems, agri-processing, food security, sustainable farming and agri-tech.
Technology and AI Innovation
AI, software, automation, digital infrastructure, SaaS, data systems and emerging technologies.
Creative Economy and Sports Innovation
Fashion, media, music, film, beauty, art, design, photography, sports and the wider creative economy.
Social Enterprise Innovation
Purpose-driven ventures tackling social and environmental challenges, including the green and blue economy.
Education and Human Capital Innovation
Education, skills development, workforce training, EdTech and human capital development.
Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation
Scalable manufacturing, industrial solutions, production systems and locally developed products.
Retail and Digital Commerce Innovation
E-commerce, modern retail, digital marketplaces, logistics-enabled commerce and D2C brands.
Financial Services Innovation
Payments, banking, lending, insurance, investment, digital finance and financial access.
Real Estate and Urban Development Innovation
Real estate, housing, construction, infrastructure, PropTech and modern city development.
Hospitality and Travel Experience Innovation
Hospitality, tourism, travel, restaurants, luxury experiences and cultural destinations.
Healthcare Services Innovation
Healthcare, wellness, fitness, medical innovation, health technology and mental wellness.
Innovators Living with Disabilities
A dedicated category for outstanding ventures founded by young people living with disabilities, in any sector.
Open Category
For exceptional ventures that do not fit neatly within the categories above.
Top 25 Under 25, answered
What is Top 25 Under 25 Kenya?
Top 25 Under 25 (the Top 25 Under 25 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fellowship Awards, TOP25U25IEFA) is a national recognition of Kenya's 25 most impactful young innovators and entrepreneurs aged 25 and below. It is powered by SQOO Global with KCA University as academic partner.
Who are the 2026 Top 25 Under 25 Fellows?
The Class of 2026 includes Maxwell Opondo, Norah Kimathi, Branice Kazira, Abdihamid Hassan, Robert Mwatua, Shawn Dalmas, Maurice Muendo Musyoki, Ruth Apondi, David Nandwa, James Ruigu, Collins Kathuli, Janet Dete, Fredrick Njoroge Kariuki, Miron Onsarigo, Winnie Wambui, Mary Mueni, Zinzia Adhiambo, Bahja Alinoor, Matt Magera, Kelvin Mwaniki, Maxwell Kamau, Noreen Mwancha, Ninah Muli Wayua, Esbon Ogeto and Marilyn Gathiru. Every Fellow has a full profile on this site.
How were the Top 25 Under 25 Fellows selected?
Fellows were vetted internally by KCA University and partner organisations. Candidates were scouted, verified for age and founder role, assessed for impact and traction, and then reviewed together to arrive at the 25 founders making the greatest impact.
Who is eligible?
Kenyan founders or co-founders aged 25 or below, leading a venture that has operated for at least a year with demonstrated traction or impact. Every sector is eligible, and a dedicated category recognises innovators living with disabilities.
Is there an application or public vote?
No. The Fellowship is a recognition programme. Fellows were identified and vetted internally by KCA University and partner organisations rather than through public voting.
What do Fellows receive?
National recognition and certification, mentorship, capacity building through KCA University, structured networking with partners and investors, media visibility and pitch opportunities, plus lifetime membership of the alumni network.
How can my organisation partner with the programme?
Email top25@sqoo.global to discuss partnering on the 2027 edition, mentoring Fellows or supporting 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.