Held from 27–31 July 2026 under the theme Building Climate-Smart, Technology-Enabled Businesses for Sustainable Growth and Investment, the bootcamp brought together promising young entrepreneurs for an intensive programme combining climate entrepreneurship, business development, digital innovation and investor readiness.
The bootcamp is part of the Sheria ya Vijana (SYV) Project, a youth-focused initiative co-funded by the European Union and implemented by Barnfonden in partnership with WeWorld Kenya, Action for Sustainability Initiative (AFOSI), Organization of African Youth (OAY), Stretchers Youth Organization (SYO), and the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC).
Throughout the week, participants strengthened their entrepreneurial foundations through practical training on business registration, governance, financial management, climate innovation, business modelling, branding, digital marketing, market access and investment readiness. Interactive business clinics and one-on-one coaching enabled participants to refine their business models, develop investor-ready pitch decks and present their ventures before a panel of judges during the final Demo Day.
Speaking during the bootcamp, Sheria ya Vijana Programme Officer Beatrice Muema emphasized that the training was designed as a long-term capacity-building initiative rather than a one-off pitch preparation exercise.
"Out of 624 applications, 60 youth-led organizations advanced to this stage, demonstrating the potential of young entrepreneurs to lead Kenya's green and digital transition. This bootcamp was a capacity-building journey focused on strengthening business models, improving market access and preparing participants to attract investment," she said.
Muema noted that many of the participating organizations had already identified clear climate challenges within their communities and were developing innovative, climate-smart solutions. For organizations still in the early stages of growth, the bootcamp provided greater clarity on business models, financial management and what it takes to become investment-ready.
The diversity of innovations reflected the breadth of youth-led climate action, from nature-based enterprises transforming sea moss into beauty products in Kilifi to circular economy ventures advancing waste management in Nairobi and digital platforms connecting farmers to markets.
The impact of the bootcamp was echoed by participants, who described the experience as an opportunity to refine their ideas, learn from peers and gain practical tools for building sustainable enterprises. Many highlighted the value of strengthening their business models, understanding investor expectations and collaborating with fellow innovators committed to solving climate challenges.
In his closing remarks, KCIC CEO, Joseph Murabula encouraged participants to view the bootcamp as the beginning of a much bigger journey.
"This bootcamp is an opener to more opportunities. It has offered you the first level of opportunity, and these should open doors to many more. Let this be the first stage to even greater avenues for your enterprises and your impact," he said.
The Sheria ya Vijana Project continues to empower young people with the knowledge, partnerships and opportunities needed to lead Kenya's green and digital transition while building resilient businesses that create lasting social, environmental and economic impact.