Sanara is inspired by the Swahili words sanaa (arts) and biashara (business). This exciting inclusive program designed for young women and men across Kenya aims to enable access to dignified and fulfilling work in the creative and cultural industries.

Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with the consortium of HEVA, SNDBX-Ubuntu, Baraza Media Lab and GoDown Arts Centre, have launched this 3 year program to offer opportunities for financing, skilling, enterprise support, and adoption of sustainable practices that advance fair and safer working environments for creatives. 

Sanara Usanii Open Day

Kisumu County!

Friday, 8th November

Lake Basin Mall, Kisumu

8am - 4pm

Register today. Entry is free!

Click below to be redirected to the registration form


OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this program are to:

  1. Design and offer tailored and inclusive finance for creative and cultural entrepreneurs

  2. Equip young people with market-relevant skilling programs for the creative and cultural industries

  3. Advance the adoption of inclusive and sustainable practices that advance a safer working environment for young women and men

INTERVENTIONS

ACCESS TO INCLUSIVE FINANCE

Responsive loan and grant facilities to support production, trade, working capital, project and business development needs

Led by: HEVA

SKILLING FOR WORK & INFRASTRUCTURE

High quality skilling, reskilling and upskilling

Mapping, equipping and maintenance of accessible creative and cultural learning hubs

Led by: Baraza Media Lab

ENTERPRISE SUPPORT

Curriculum and content development by subject matter experts, and delivery of training modules. All mapped to enterprise needs

Led by: SNDBX-Ubuntu

ENABLING FAIR & SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENTS

Working with government and relevant stakeholders to implement enabling policy interventions

Systemic improvements, sensitisation and capacity building to enable conducive work environments

Led by: GoDown Arts Centre

VALUE CHAINS

We have 3 main value chain categories

Fashion, Garments, and Accessories

Film, Television, Content Creation, Gaming & Audio-Visual

Is my creative interest or business included in the above categories?

Live Music, Theatre & Performing Arts

COUNTIES

To see if your creative interest or business is included in any of the 3 categories above click here for a comprehensive list.

Sanara will begin roll-out in these 6 counties:

  • Kakamega

  • Kisumu

  • Mombasa

  • Nairobi

  • Nakuru

  • Turkana


Sanara Financing Opportunities

See what opportunities are currently open for applications or coming soon

Ota Growth by Sanara

Ota Grants by Sanara

Ota Kopa by Sanara

Ota Kopa+ by Sanara

HASHTAGS TO FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA

#YoungAfricaWorks

#SanaraKE

LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH

If you want to receive updates on how you can access funding, project incubation, mentorship, and invaluable resources that will fuel your growth and help you achieve your creative aspirations, join our mailing list and we’ll keep you posted.