The Sanara initiative has launched its Kisumu chapter, aiming to empower youth in creative industries with opportunities spanning fashion, visual arts, audiovisual media, and performing arts. The program, backed by the Mastercard Foundation, brings together key partners, including HEVA, SNDBX, Baraza Media Lab, and GoDown Arts Center, to drive sustainable employment for creatives across Kenya.
Tabitha Wasese, the program leader from HEVA, emphasized Sanara’s goal of reaching 110,000 young people, including 77,000 women, 11,000 refugees, and 5,500 individuals with disabilities, in regions such as Kisumu, Kakamega, Mombasa, Nairobi, and Turkana.
“Sanara, inspired by the Swahili words Sanaa (arts) and Biashara (business), is a pivotal initiative for Kenya’s cultural and creative economy,” Wasese noted.
Sanara will operate over three years, from 2024 to 2027, and aims to equip young creatives with high-quality training, business development support, and financial solutions through grants, loans, and production financing. Additionally, the program prioritizes creating safer, inclusive working environments.
Dr. Karimi, finance director at HEVA, introduced the Ota Growth initiative, offering youth- and women-led creative enterprises in Kenya financial access, with loans ranging from KES 5,000,000 to KES 20,000,000 at competitive rates.
Sanara’s launch promises significant support for Kisumu’s young creatives, providing tools and financial support to help them thrive in Kenya’s creative economy.
