Kenya KEPSA MSME Accelerator: KES 5 Million in Support for Scaling Businesses

If you’re running a Kenyan micro, small, or medium enterprise that’s been operating for at least two years and you’re ready to scale nationally or regionally, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) MSME Accelerator provides up to KES 5,000,000 (approximately $38,000 USD) in blended support—combining funding, mentorship, training, and connections to help you grow.

This isn’t just capital. KEPSA designed this accelerator specifically for Kenyan MSMEs that have proven their business model and are ready to expand but need support to navigate the challenges of scaling. You’ll get access to business acceleration training, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, introductions to potential partners and customers, guidance on digital transformation, coaching on climate-smart business practices, and policy advocacy support to help address regulatory barriers you face.

The program focuses particularly on businesses pursuing digital transformation and building sustainable, climate-smart operations. If you’re modernizing your business through technology or implementing environmentally sustainable practices while scaling, you’re exactly who KEPSA wants to support.

The application deadline is September 5, 2025. Competitive applications take significant preparation, especially demonstrating your traction and growth potential, so start early.

Key Details

What the Program Provides

Financial Support: Direct funding for business expansion activities, technology implementation, working capital for scaling, or investment in sustainable practices.

Business Acceleration Training: Structured curriculum on scaling operations, financial management, marketing and sales, supply chain optimization, and leadership development.

Mentorship and Coaching: One-on-one mentorship from successful Kenyan entrepreneurs, industry-specific guidance, regular check-ins and accountability, and problem-solving support for challenges you encounter.

Digital Transformation Support: Guidance on adopting digital tools and platforms, implementation support for business software, e-commerce development assistance, and digital marketing training.

Sustainability and Climate Coaching: Training on climate-smart business practices, guidance on implementing sustainable operations, connections to green financing options, and support for measuring environmental impact.

Network and Market Access: Introductions to potential partners and customers, connections to East African market opportunities, access to KEPSA’s corporate member network, and participation in trade missions and showcases.

Policy Advocacy: KEPSA coaches you on engaging with policymakers, helps you understand regulatory requirements, advocates for policy changes that benefit MSMEs, and connects you to industry associations.

Who Should Apply

You’re a Strong Candidate If:

You’re a Kenyan-owned business that’s been operating for at least two years. You have revenue traction—you’re generating meaningful sales, not just starting. You can demonstrate job creation potential—you’re employing people and plan to hire more as you grow. You have clear plans for digitalization or are already implementing digital tools. You’re committed to or interested in adopting climate-smart, sustainable practices. Your growth ambition extends beyond just serving local markets—you want to scale nationally across Kenya or into East African regional markets.

You’re Probably Not Ready If:

You’re still in startup phase without proven business model. You lack consistent revenue or customer traction. You have no interest in digital transformation or sustainability practices. You’re focused only on local neighborhood markets with no scaling ambition. You can’t commit the time to participate actively in accelerator programming.

Insider Tips

Show clear revenue growth trajectory with specific numbers. Demonstrate you’re already taking steps toward digitalization, even if small. Highlight your commitment to sustainable practices or willingness to adopt them. Emphasize job creation—current employees and hiring plans. Explain your specific scaling strategy for national or regional expansion. Show you understand your competition and have clear differentiation. Include testimonials or case studies from satisfied customers. Describe how you’ll measure success with concrete KPIs. Highlight any previous training or business development programs you’ve completed successfully—shows you’re coachable and follow through.

Application Process

Research KEPSA and the accelerator program thoroughly. Assess whether you meet the two-year operational requirement and have sufficient traction. Prepare your financial records showing revenue growth and stability. Develop your growth and scaling plan in detail. Document your current and planned digital transformation initiatives. Outline your approach to sustainability or willingness to adopt climate-smart practices. Complete the application with specific details about your business, traction, team, and growth plans. Submit well before the September 5 deadline—at least one week early to avoid technical issues.

Selection Criteria

KEPSA evaluates applications based on business viability and track record, revenue growth and traction, job creation potential, commitment to digitalization, sustainability practices or potential, scalability of the business model, strength and capability of the management team, and clarity and credibility of growth plans.

Common Mistakes

Being vague about revenue and traction—provide specific numbers. Ignoring digitalization angle—show current or planned digital initiatives even if basic. Not addressing sustainability—at minimum show willingness to learn and adopt practices. Unrealistic scaling plans without clear strategy. Weak financial records or inability to demonstrate business stability. Generic applications that could apply to any business—make yours specific to your unique situation. Not showing you understand East African market opportunities if targeting regional expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if we’re not yet very digital? That’s okay—showing willingness to digitalize and having basic plans is sufficient. The program will help you.

Do we need to already have sustainable practices? No, but you need to be willing to adopt them as part of the program.

Can businesses outside Nairobi apply? Yes, the program is open to MSMEs from anywhere in Kenya.

Is there an equity requirement? No, this is not an equity investment. It’s blended support including grants and services.

Can we apply if we’re only one year old? The minimum is two years of operations to demonstrate viability.

What if our business is seasonal? That’s fine—explain your revenue patterns and show annual performance.

How to Apply

Visit https://kepsa.or.ke/ for current application details and requirements. Review the complete program information including eligibility criteria and application guidelines. Prepare all required documentation before starting your application. Complete the online application providing detailed information about your business, traction, team, and growth plans. Submit by September 5, 2025. For questions, contact KEPSA directly through their website or main office.

This accelerator can be the catalyst that takes your Kenyan MSME from a solid local business to a competitive regional player. If you have the traction, ambition, and willingness to adopt modern practices, apply.