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iHub to open innovation centres in North Kenya

ihub

iHub seeks to tackle community problems. FILE PHOTO | NMG

iHub is set to establish innovation hubs in Marsabit and Garissa counties that will aim to develop solutions for drought-stricken communities.

The innovation hubs will run for 21 months and will be established in partnership with Mastercard International and Adeso, a Nairobi-based humanitarian organisation. The project is funded by UK Aid.

iHub says the goal of the hubs will be to involve local communities in developing solutions to their problems, rather than importing external answers.

“The lab will be accessible to all segments of the community and the consortium will ensure participation of rural communities at the village level rather than focus on urban issues,” says iHub.

READ: iHub buyout raises Nairobi status as Africa tech capital

Innovators will be given space to develop their ideas and receive quick feedback on their prototypes from experts. 

iHub has been changing its  business model over the last one year,  moving to a new, larger space in Nairobi and also tweaking its revenue collection streams. Last year, the company was acquired by venture capital firm BSP Fund LLC last year. 

According to regulatory filings made at the time, iHub was said to have a turnover of Sh299.1 million in the 2015 financial year.