Eldoret Sh100m co-working space boost for tech startups

In innovation hub- Kikao-64 has opened a co-working space in Eldoret town as it eyes the tech start-ups and other professionals to spur growth in North Rift and Western Kenya regions.

Elisabeth Clem, Kikao64 executive director, said the decision to set up the hub valued at about Sh100 million was necessitated by the increased demand for non-psychical office space for individuals, corporates and the non-governmental governmental organisations.

“It will provide space for those travelling through Eldoret and also allow students and young people to engage in networking. This is a big deal for this region and it will put Eldoret in the map in terms of digital space,” she said.

Equipped with workstations with a capacity of 100 at a given time, the new hub will allow young entrepreneurs to network and build their tech startups.

The centre will facilitate students, athletes and other young entrepreneurs to access high speed internet at discounted rates.

“Most start-ups lack capital to acquire working space and other tools but this will allow them to use work for lower prices. For instance, instead of paying rent for an office at Sh50,000 a month, you can just pay for hours, weeks or months,” said Abel Boreto, a director at hub.

The hub, strategically located on Kenyatta Street in the town’s central business district, is targeting the youthful population within the region and the numerous startups that are in need of office to carry out their day-to-day activities.

Kikao 64 will be offering services such as consulting services such as legal, company registration, tax audit and web design.

Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago noted that the technology hub will help young people tap into a number of opportunities.

“Most young people are unable to access the government opportunities because of lack of technology-related skills. We believe that this will go a long way in creating jobs for the youth,” said Mr Mandago.