Sanara has expanded access to finance for over 330 creative enterprises, strengthened market access, supported more than 3,000 startups through grants, and is helping shape stronger creative economy ecosystems across Kenya.
Nairobi, Kenya | Thursday, 2 July 2026: Sanara has deployed more than KES 1.2 Billion through commercial financing and grants, expanding access to capital for over 330 creative enterprises, equipping more than 20,000 young creatives with business and technical skills, and supporting over 3,000 creative startups across 6 counties.
The 6 counties include Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kakamega and Turkana
Supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by HEVA Fund, SNDBX Ubuntu, Baraza Media Lab and GoDown Arts Centre, Sanara is providing evidence that Kenya’s creative economy is a viable investment destination when access to finance is combined with enterprise development, market access and supportive public policy.
Demand for the Ota loan facilities has reached approximately KES 4 billion, highlighting both the scale of unmet demand for creative finance and the significant opportunity for increased investment in Kenya’s creative economy.
The financing portfolio reflects a deliberate focus on inclusive growth. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of financed enterprises are women-led, while approximately 30% of beneficiaries are first-time borrowers, expanding access to formal finance for entrepreneurs who have historically been underserved by traditional financial institutions.
Speaking during the forum, Tabitha Masese, Program Manager, HEVA Fund said:
“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, Sanara is strengthening the foundations of the creative economy through technical skills development, market linkages, creative infrastructure mapping and policy support in two counties, creating conditions for long-term enterprise growth and increased private sector investment.
These key insights were presented during the Sanara Creative Economy Learning Forum in Nairobi, bringing together investors, financial institutions, policymakers, development partners and creative industry leaders to explore how innovative financing models, when integrated with business development services, technical training and access to markets can accelerate the growth of Kenya’s creative economy.
Creative Enterprises Emerging as an Investable Asset Class
Experience from Sanara indicates that creative businesses become significantly more investment-ready when financing is integrated with business development services, technical training and access to markets. This approach is helping entrepreneurs strengthen governance, improve commercial viability and build sustainable enterprises capable of attracting additional investment.
Sanara has also demonstrated that inclusive investment strengthens economic outcomes. Through targeted partnerships, Sanara is expanding opportunities for women, refugees, persons with disabilities and other underserved entrepreneurs. Under the Ota Pepea Access to Market Initiative, refugee creatives from Turkana have showcased their products in Nairobi, secured new buyers and accessed international markets, illustrating how market access can translate into business growth and improved livelihoods.
Alongside enterprise financing, Sanara is working with county governments to strengthen creative economy policy frameworks and undertake creative infrastructure mapping, helping establish an enabling environment for investment and long-term sector competitiveness.
Key Insights Emerging from Sanara
Sanara has generated five important insights on strengthening Kenya’s creative economy:
● Access to finance remains the sector’s biggest constraint, despite abundant capital demand.
● Business development and technical skills are most effective when delivered together, enabling enterprises to commercialise creative talent.
● Blended financing models combining commercial capital and grants can unlock sustainable enterprise growth.
● Inclusive financing expands participation and strengthens economic outcomes, particularly for young women, refugees, persons with disabilities and first-time borrowers.
● Supportive policy, creative infrastructure and strong industry ecosystems are essential for long-term sector competitiveness and attracting private investment.
The forum concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between government, financial institutions, investors and development partners to scale investment in Kenya’s creative industries and position the sector as a significant contributor to employment, innovation and economic growth.
Kenya’s creative economy contributes more than 5% of the country’s GDP and is one of its fastest-growing economic sectors, underscoring its potential to drive inclusive growth and create jobs. However, unlocking this potential requires addressing persistent barriers that limit creative enterprises’ access to finance, business development support, and market opportunities.
Sanara is demonstrating that creative enterprises can grow sustainably when innovative financing is combined with business development, technical skills training, market access, and ecosystem strengthening.
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