About Us
Project
/
About Us
SKIES – Foundation focuses on skills development in technology, healthcare, and youth empowerment. The core values guide the missions and operations.
Dedicated to Your
Success with Innovative
and Productive Skills
SKIES Foundation focuses on skills development in technology, healthcare, and youth empowerment. The core values guide the missions and operations.
# Our Vision & Mission
Empowering Brands to Thrive in the Digital World
Our Goals
Drive growth through innovative, destructive and scalable solutions.
Our Mission
Our mission is to nurture and equip young leaders and entrepreneurs to be innovative.
To nurture and equip young leaders and entrepreneurs to be innovative, productive, and change-makers in their communities through skills development and community service.
Our Vision
Empowering Future Change
A world where the youth and entrepreneurs achieve their full potential and shape the future with power and confidence while driving positive social change in their communities.
# Our Team
Leadership
John Muinami
Director
Priscilla Mwangi
Chairperson
Thomas Muigai Muturi
Finance and Systems Expert
Martin Kabutu
Grants Expert
Simon Tanui
Strategy, Innovations and Investments
Martha Momanyi
Human Resource Expert
# FAQs
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
SKIES (Strengthening Kenya’s Innovation Ecosystem) is a sub-component of the Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP). It is a World Bank-funded initiative implemented by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) designed to build the capacity of ecosystem intermediaries—such as incubators, accelerators, and tech bootcamps—and to bridge the technical skills gap for Kenyan youth.
The program is divided into two main tracks:
Track 1: Dedicated to Ecosystem Intermediaries (Incubators and Accelerators) to help them improve their business models and service delivery.
Track 2: Focused on Tech Bootcamp Providers and Rapid Tech Skills Students, providing grants for scaling training programs and subsidised tuition for learners.
To qualify, applicants must be Kenyan citizens over the age of 18 with a valid KCSE certificate. The program specifically targets recent graduates from universities or technical institutions (holding a certificate, diploma, or degree) who have a genuine interest in launching a tech business or gaining employment in the digital economy.
The curriculum is designed around high-demand, 21st-century skills. Key areas include Cybersecurity, Software Engineering (including Generative AI integration), Data Science, and Entrepreneurship, alongside essential soft skills like leadership and communication.
Funding is provided through performance-based grants. For Phase 1, approximately $3.7 million was allocated to Track 1 intermediaries, $800,000 to Track 2 providers, and $450,000 in tuition subsidies for students. Disbursements are milestone-verified, meaning funds are released as specific institutional or educational goals are met.
Yes. One of the core goals is the "Industry-Startup Linkage." The program connects students and startups with established industry players through product development challenges and networking events, helping to ensure that the skills learned are immediately applicable to the current job market.
