Kibera Youth Micro Business Contest 2026

About the Program

The Kibera Youth Micro Business Contest 2026 is a microfinance program designed to support young entrepreneurs who want to start or grow small businesses.

Organized by SHIFT80, which has been supporting the Kibera community since 2018, this program aims to create economic independence, local employment, and a circulating fund that provides opportunities for the next generation.

This is not charity.

It is an investment in young people who are ready to build their own future.

What We Offer

Micro Loan (1st Cycle)

  • Loan Amount: 10,000 – 20,000 KES

  • Interest: 5% (flat)

  • Repayment Period: Approx. 30 weeks

    • 10,000 KES → 350 KES per week

    • 20,000 KES → 700 KES per week

  • Repayment via M-PESA (weekly)

  • Repayments start from the week after the loan is given.

  • There is no grace period.

 

Support System

  • Mandatory 2-Day Business Basics Training (Jan 26–27)

  • Daily Sales Reporting via WhatsApp

  • Weekly Online Check-in (10–15 minutes)

 

Guarantors (Loan Security)

All selected participants must bring 2 guarantors (non-family)

to sign the loan agreement on Jan 28.

Guarantors must:

  • Be 20 years or older

  • Bring their original ID

  • Know the applicant well and trust their character

  • Be friends, neighbors, or community members (not family)

Without guarantors, the loan cannot be issued.

 

Growth Path

  • 2nd Cycle: 20,000 – 40,000 KES (for those who complete previous cycles)

Mentorship Cycle

Graduates who complete repayment will become mentors for the next group of entrepreneurs.

This creates a cycle of trust, leadership, and opportunity within the community.

 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be 20 years or older

  • Be able to attend all training and the final pitch in Kibera

  • You do not need to be a Kibera resident

  • No prior business experience required

  • Be able to communicate in English or Swahili

 

Selection Stages

1. Document Screening (Jan 10–14)

You will submit:

  • Business idea

  • Expected daily sales

  • Expected number of customers

  • Basic personal information

30 applicants will be shortlisted.

 

2. Final Pitch (Jan 25)

Shortlisted applicants will present their business ideas.

  • Pitch: 5 minutes

  • Q&A: 3 minutes

  • Language: English preferred, Swahili accepted

  • 15 participants will be selected to join the program

Those selected will move on to the mandatory Business Basics Training.

 

3. Mandatory 2-Day Training (Jan 26–27)

A hands-on workshop led by experienced business owners in Kibera.

Attendance is strictly mandatory.

If you do not attend the full 2-day training,

your selection will be cancelled immediately.

No exceptions.

The training is required to receive the micro loan.


Evaluation Criteria

  • Profitability: 40%

  • Feasibility: 30%

  • Integrity / Character: 20%

  • Social Impact: 10%


How to Apply

Fill out the application form　https://forms.gle/bp4DaJ7DhtrYuMut8

Application must be submitted before Jan 10.