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 through creative and culture.

The Sanara Program is by Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with the consortium of HEVA, SNDBX-Ubuntu, Baraza Media Lab and GoDown Arts Centre.

What does Sanara Offer to Young Creatives?

1. ACCESS TO FINANCING FOR CREATIVES

Led by: HEVA Fund

Creative entrepreneurs and businesses will have opportunities to access suitable financing options for production, trade, and business growth.

2. SKILLING FOR WORK & PROGRAM HUBS

Led by: Baraza Media Lab

Young women and men will be trained with industry-standard skills through a network of skilling partners and have access to program hubs in the 6 counties.

3. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Led by: SNDBX-Ubuntu

Creative businesses will also get support with mentorship, market entry, and financial management.

4. FAIR & SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENTS

Led by: GoDown Arts Centre

Working towards sustainability through promoting policies, job recognition, and protections for creatives.

What is the Objective of Sanara ?

Through the Sanara program, we plan to impact 110,000 young women and men aged between 18 and 35 years - including 77,000 young women, 11,000 refugees, and 5,500 people with disabilities who are starting or working in:

  • Fashion, Garments, and Accessories 

  • Film, Television, Content creation, Gaming and Audio-visual 

  • Live music, Theatre and Performing Arts 

    Between 2024 - 2027 the Sanara program aims to: 

  • Provide access to fair and suitable financing for creatives and cultural businesses.

  • Teach young people maket-relevant skills for creative jobs and advance the skills of those already working.

  • Promote safe and fair work practices for young women and men in creative work.

What are the Program Focus Areas?

Fashion, Garments And Accessories

Examples include: fashion designers, bead makers, tailors, makeup artists, hair and beauty stylists, nail technicians, tattoo artists, fashion stylists, and manufacturers, and e-commerce platforms

Audiovisual: Film, Tv, Photography And Content Creation  

Examples include: photographers, filmmakers, music producers, scriptwriters, podcasters, theatre performers, content creators, game developers, and professionals in virtual reality (VR).

Live Music, Theatre & Performing Arts

Examples include: Bands, musicians, DJs, visual artists, theatre groups, comedians, dancers, acrobats, event organizers, ticket platforms, and event venues.

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

Is the Sanara Program in my area?

Sanara will start in these 6 counties:

  • Kakamega County

  • Kisumu County

  • Mombasa County

  • Nairobi County

  • Nakuru County

  • Turkana County


Sanara’s Skilling Partners

As part of skilling for work, Baraza Media Lab is leading a network trusted partners to deliver high quality skills training for different creative focuses including fashion, music, film, intellectual property, animation, content creation, comedy, theatre, beading and more.


Applications for training will be regularly posted in the section below.

Keep checking to apply for the latest opportunities near you and become a Sanara participant!

Brighter futures for creatives in Kenya!

Start applying for Sanara Opportunities

  • Own your Creative Work (IP Law Training)

    🦩Hey Nakuru Creatives! 🎨🎬🎶

    Do you know what parts of your creative work you actually own? More importantly, do you know how to protect and profit from them? Let’s clear up the myths and give you the facts!

    Join us for a hands-on, inclusive IP Law training in Nakuru, where we’ll break down:

    ✅ What aspects of your work can be legally owned;

    ✅ How to protect your creative expressions from misuse;

    ✅ Ways to turn your creativity into income;

    ✅ Common IP myths—debunked!

    📖 Bring your pen and notebook for an engaging session covering copyrights, trademarks, patents, contracts and more!

    📅 Date: 21st February 2025.

    📍 Location: Kenya Red Cross Nakuru Branch, Oginda Oringa Road.

    📝 Limited slots available—register now!

    APPLY

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.