Mastercard Strive Kenya
The first online community for entrepreneurs in the informal economy
Explore a curated collection of articles, insights, news, updates, and programs reflecting key developments and initiatives across Mastercard Strive Kenya. Stay informed on the perspectives and priorities shaping the region's evolving landscape.
Our focus
Empowering young entrepreneurs in Kenya’s informal economy
Despite young Kenyans’ reliance on and contribution to the informal economy, the education system does little to equip them for it. Schools still prepare young people for a formal working world that is simply unavailable to them. To empower these young people to build thriving small businesses, Mastercard Strive has partnered with MESH, the first online community for entrepreneurs in the informal economy. Part of the Shujaaz Inc. network of social ventures, MESH combines business skills programs with peer-to-peer networking and role-model mentoring. As part of the MESH community, members can access an extensive library of peer training videos and connect with peers and mentors with complementary skills or interests.
Our approach
Empowering small businesses to overcome common roadblocks
Get capital
By funding community financial institutions including local banks, minority depository institutions, and credit unions, we make it easier for businesses to get the funding they need, when and where they need it.
Go digital
We connect small businesses with mission-driven technology partners and essential digital tools that eliminate bottlenecks and enable access to lending and investment.
Grow networks and know-how
Through local and national partnerships, we connect small businesses with expert organizations to develop new skills and grow their capabilities.
Our goal
Supporting the development, growth, and the creation of training tools that were unavailable to young entrepreneurs
By the numbers
Our programs
Vested Impact: empowering small businesses with the data they need to make change
Leveraging AI and 300M science-based and impact data points to automatically assess and quantify the non-financial impact of small businesses
XRGlobal: Virtual reality upskilling for tractor owners in partnership with Hello Tractor
Testing the potential of virtual reality for training tractor owners to grow their businesses through the Hello Tractor app
Novek: IOT-enabled vending machines maximize sales for retailers
Tech-enabled vending machines dispensing household staples increase sales, reduce stock outs, and eliminate single-use plastic.
TechnoServe: E-commerce toolkit teaches business owners new ways to grow their online businesses
Business owners learn how to grow their online customer base, increase online sales and profits, and boost customer satisfaction.
MESH: The first online community for entrepreneurs in the informal economy
An expanding network for micro retailers, connecting them to market opportunities, a thriving community of peers and mentors, and access to credit.
Arifu: Providing small businesses with practical, actionable business tips
A personalized, interactive chatbot provides micro-retailers with practical guidance on how to digitize operations and access credit Kenya, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Uganda
Our partners
Driving growth through institutional know-how, capabilities and resources
Regional partners play a critical role in implementing Strive's programs within local communities. With deep market knowledge and trusted networks, they translate strategy into action — connecting small businesses to digital tools, financial services, and new market opportunities. Their leadership ensures solutions are locally relevant, accessible, and designed to drive lasting economic growth.
Become a partner
Interested in being a partner for change?
Together we can empower millions of small businesses globally with innovative digital solutions that boost resilience, growth, and inclusion. Your organization's expertise can help bring impactful programs to scale, deepen local reach, and create meaningful change in the small business ecosystem. Be part of a vibrant partner community driving real economic impact.
