Ota Kopa and Ota Kopa Plus Activation in Kenyatta Market: Meeting Kenya’s Creatives Where They Are
Tabitha Masese, HEVA Program Manager, engaging with the traders at Kenyatta Market in Nairobi County.
As part of our ongoing commitment to deepening engagement with the diverse creatives in Kenya, HEVA recently conducted a community activation at Kenyatta Market in Nairobi. This activation was designed to bring financing information and opportunities directly to creative entrepreneurs, meeting them not only where they are in their journeys, but also where they work, earn and interact.
The focus of the activation was to socialise the Ota Kopa and Ota Kopa Plus loan products, giving creatives a chance to better understand how these financing solutions work and how they can apply. We were joined by our some of financial service partners (FSPs) who offered first-hand guidance, answered questions, and provided on-the-ground support to interested applicants.
While our initial outreach targeted hair and beauty professionals, the experience turned out to be even more dynamic. We interacted with tailors, fashion designers, DJs, musicians, content creators, and even parents and guardians of young creatives—all eager to learn more about how HEVA’s financing opportunities and programs could support their growth.
We set up in the heart of the market’s tailoring section, surrounded by what would normally be the steady rhythm of sewing machines and the unmistakable energy of creatives building brands, running businesses, and shaping culture from within their communities.
“The energy at Kenyatta Market was inspiring. We had honest conversations, answered important questions, and shared ideas. More than anything, we built new connections—and strengthened our resolve to continue meeting creatives where they are,” said Tabitha Masese, HEVA Program Manager.
By physically entering these creative spaces, HEVA is affirming its belief that access to opportunity should be equitable, direct, and grounded in the lived experiences of the people we serve.
This activation is one of several we will be undertaking across the country, as we continue working toward inclusive, accessible, and human-centered approaches to financing Kenya’s creative industries.
Members of the HEVA team and our partnering FSPs talk with the entrepreneurs and business owners at Kenyatta Market about the loan products and other interventions available to support their growth.
About Ota Kopa and Ota Kopa Plus
Ota Kopa and Ota Kopa Plus are loan products designed for creative professionals across Kenya. Offered in collaboration with trusted financial service partners and aggregator platforms, these loans provide flexible, tailored financing to help creatives grow their businesses, invest in equipment, expand operations, and more. Creatives across Kenya are encouraged to apply!
