Electric mobility (e-mobility) technology presents a significant opportunity for socio-economic transformation in Kenya, particularly given the country’s reliance on renewable energy sources. However, the e-mobility sector is predominantly male-dominated, with women comprising only 1 in 25 employees globally. This underrepresentation hinders gender equality and economic empowerment for women, who face institutional, cultural, and technical barriers to entry. This project titled “The Transformative Power of Electric Mobility Technology in Kenya: Understanding and Empowering Women Entrepreneurs” aims to explore the pathways for women entrepreneurs in the e-mobility sector by assessing their needs and generating evidence through quantitative and qualitative research, to enhance their skills.
The project is implemented by a consortium of partners which include Coventry University in the UK, along with Coventry University Social Enterprise (CUSE), the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in Kenya, and the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC).
Key project activities include:
1. Conducting large scale and detailed surveys with women entrepreneurs to understand their needs, systemic gaps and the operating business environment.
2. Conducting pilot training of selected women entrepreneurs at KCIC based on a customized program informed by existing needs.
3. To develop policy and industry focused report on e-mobility and women’s entrepreneurship that outlines necessary support mechanisms and recommendations replicable in other high-tech sectors.
Eligibility
To be admitted to this program, the applicants must meet the following minimum requirements.
The enterprise must be woman or women owned (≥51% female ownership).
Be a pre-start up or an early-stage start-up. For purposes of this call, a pre-start up is considered an early-stage idea or a prototype which is not yet generating revenue while a startup is defined as an entity which is operational but still at an initial or pilot stage.
Be registered and domiciled in Kenya.
Be aligned to the e-mobility sector by focusing on at least one of these e-mobility products and services:
o Delivery of products / green logistics
o Transportation of passengers
o Maintenance/servicing/repairing of e-mobility assets
o Recycling of e-mobility waste
o Sales of e-mobility assets including software and on-line platforms
o Battery charging/swapping
o Local assemblage and operation of e-mobility vehicles (4,3,2 wheelers)
o Design, installation, operation and maintenance of battery charging infrastructure
Criteria
Consideration for recruitment into the program will be based on ability to demonstrate potential for feasibility and scalability, commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, gender and social impact, and willingness to participate fully in the incubation program.
