Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Kilosahihi is acomprehensive solution for coffee Farmers and cooperative societies, it ensures fair and transparent coffee collection and payment. It automatically and accurately weighs coffee and keep records, and keeps farmers updated and notified.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Kilosahihi is a digital platform launched in 2022 to enhance transparency and fairness in coffee farming. It features a mobile POS app for weighing coffee beans, printing tickets, and identifying farmers at collection points, connecting wirelessly to scales for accurate weight records. The web-based app provides cooperative societies with tools for detailed record management, transaction summaries per farmer, and payment tracking. Currently, over 1,500 farmers are registered across two cooperative societies, Gatunyu Kigio and Ngomano, with more than 30,000 transactions processed over four seasons. The system ensures farmers receive fair compensation, promoting trust and sustainability in the coffee industry. Future plans include AI integration for data accuracy and predictive insights, as well as expanding to more societies. It supports gender equality and zero hunger by empowering all farmers with equal access to technology, improving their livelihoods, and enhancing food security

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Kilosahihi aims to solve the lack of transparency, accuracy, and fairness in coffee farming transactions. Traditionally, coffee farmers face challenges such as inaccurate weighing, manual entry errors, delayed payments, and a lack of clear records, which can lead to mistrust and financial instability. Cooperative societies also struggle with managing large volumes of transactions efficiently and ensuring fair payments to farmers. These issues hinder the economic empowerment of farmers and the overall productivity of the coffee industry. Kilosahihi addresses these problems by providing a digital platform that ensures precise weighing, automated record-keeping, and transparent transactions, thereby promoting trust, efficiency, and fair trade practices in the coffee sector.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Transparency and Fairness: Kilosahihi ensures accurate weighing and transparent transactions, eliminating manual errors and biases. Farmers receive instant notifications and digital receipts, ensuring they are informed and compensated fairly. Efficient Record Management: The web-based app offers cooperative societies detailed records of transactions, summaries per farmer, and comprehensive payment tracking. This promotes efficient management and accountability. Empowerment and Economic Stability: By providing farmers with accurate records and timely payments, Kilosahihi enhances their financial stability. This allows farmers to invest in their farms, improve productivity, and secure better livelihoods. Scalability and Future Integration: The platform is designed to scale, with plans to register more societies and incorporate AI for enhanced data accuracy, predictive insights, and operational efficiency, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Coffee Farmers: Kilosahihi empowers smallholder coffee farmers by ensuring they receive accurate, transparent, and fair payments for their produce. The system helps them manage their records, receive timely notifications, and access detailed transaction summaries, enhancing their financial stability and trust in the system. Cooperative Societies: The platform aids cooperative societies by providing efficient tools for managing large volumes of transactions, tracking payments, and generating detailed reports. This promotes accountability, reduces administrative burdens, and ensures fair compensation to farmers. Agricultural Sector: By fostering transparency, fairness, and efficiency, Kilosahihi benefits the broader agricultural sector. It supports sustainable farming practices, encourages fair trade, and contributes to the economic development of farming communities. Women Farmers: It promotes gender equality by ensuring that women farmers have equal access to the platform.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-10-09

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

5

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Geoffrey Oongo - Technical Lead: Skills: Software development, system architecture, mobile and web application development, AI integration. Experience: 5 years in tech, with a background in developing scalable agricultural technology solutions. Led multiple projects enhancing supply chain transparency. Henry Adar - Operations Manager: Skills: Operations management, supply chain logistics, agricultural practices, stakeholder engagement. Experience: 8 years in the agricultural sector, specializing in optimizing cooperative operations and improving farmer outreach and training. Eric Ayara- Business Development Manager: Skills: Business strategy, market analysis, financial planning, partnership development. Experience: 12 years in business development, with a focus on growing startups and creating sustainable business models in emerging markets. Clare Kanguru and Magret - Community Engagement Specialist: Skills: Community outreach, farmer training, gender inclusion

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://kilosahihi.com

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Because Kilosahihi is mainly addressing challenges facing farmers, It helps in fighting poverty because when farmers are fairly compensated,they earn their leaving comfortably. So far we have not asked the societies to pay the maintenance cost of application except the hosting fees is usually less than KSH 25000 per season

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Kilosahihi contributes to the goal of Zero Hunger by improving the livelihoods and food security of coffee farmers. By ensuring accurate weighing, transparent transactions, and fair payments, Kilosahihi helps farmers receive their rightful earnings promptly and without discrepancies. This financial stability allows farmers to invest more in their farms, increase productivity, and improve crop quality. Additionally, the reliable income supports their ability to purchase food, access better nutrition, and sustain their families throughout the year. Kilosahihi also promotes sustainable agricultural practices by providing data and insights that help farmers optimize their yields and reduce waste. By enhancing the economic resilience of farming communities, Kilosahihi directly supports efforts to reduce hunger and improve food security among smallholder farmers, aligning with the broader goal of achieving Zero Hunger.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Nutrition and Livelihoods: By ensuring fair compensation for coffee farmers, we support their livelihoods and well-being. Access to nutritious food is essential for overall health, and our platform promotes sustainable coffee production. Reducing Hunger: Fair wages enable farmers to provide for their families, reducing the risk of hunger and malnutrition. Coffee is a vital cash crop for many communities, and our platform empowers farmers to thrive. Stress Reduction: Transparent transactions and trust-building reduce stress for farmers. When farmers receive fair pay promptly, their mental and physical well-being improves.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

When farmers receive fair compensation, they can allocate funds for their children’s education. Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and improving livelihoods.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Kilosahihi strongly supports gender equality by empowering all coffee farmers, regardless of gender, with equal access to technology and financial transparency. Our system ensures that women farmers receive the same transparent, accurate records and fair payments as their male counterparts. By automating the weighing and record-keeping processes, we reduce the potential for bias and ensure that all farmers' contributions are valued equally. Additionally, our notifications and digital receipts system allows women, who may have less direct access to market information, to stay informed and assert their rights. This promotes economic empowerment and inclusion, helping to bridge the gender gap in the agricultural sector. Kilosahihi’s commitment to fair trade and transparency inherently supports gender equality, fostering a more inclusive and equitable farming community.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Kilosahihi indirectly contributes to clean water and sanitation by promoting sustainable coffee farming practices. When farmers receive fair compensation, they can invest in better water sources, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education. Healthy farming communities lead to improved water quality and overall well-being.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

The Mobile devices and scales we use do not consume a lot of power . Kilosahihi indirectly contributes to affordable and clean energy by promoting sustainable coffee farming practices. When farmers receive fair compensation, they can invest in energy-efficient technologies, such as solar-powered equipment for processing coffee beans. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting renewable energy solutions, our platform contributes to a cleaner and more affordable energy future

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

With fair compensation and avoidance of manual entry of weights, farmers are encouraged to work hard to earn from their sweat

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Kilosahihi is a cloud based solution powered by mongodb , It uses nextjs a modern framework for wed development , it also relies on WIFI and Bluetooth for communication. The future plan is to incorporate AI for virtual assistance and pests and disease control

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Our startup, Kilosahihi, strongly contributes to reducing inequalities in the coffee industry. By providing transparent records and fair payments to coffee farmers, regardless of their size or resources, we empower smallholder farmers who often face exploitation and unfair practices. Kilosahihi ensures that all farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work, thereby narrowing the income gap and fostering more equitable opportunities within the coffee supply chain.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Kilosahihi contributes to building sustainable cities and communities by promoting transparency and fairness in the coffee industry. By ensuring fair payments to coffee farmers, our startup supports the economic stability of rural communities dependent on coffee farming. This stability enables communities to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, fostering overall development. Additionally, Kilosahihi's emphasis on fair trade practices encourages sustainable farming methods, preserving natural resources and promoting environmental stewardship within coffee-producing regions.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Kilosahihi promotes responsible consumption and production by streamlining coffee farming processes, reducing inefficiencies, and minimizing waste. Through transparent records and fair payments, we incentivize sustainable farming practices among coffee farmers, fostering responsible production. Our digital solutions optimize resource utilization, such as reducing paper usage through digital receipts and streamlining transaction processes, contributing to responsible consumption. By enhancing efficiency and transparency in the coffee supply chain, Kilosahihi encourages conscious consumer choices and supports sustainable practices, aligning with responsible consumption and production goals.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Kilosahihi positively impacts climate action by promoting sustainable practices within the coffee industry. Our digital solutions reduce the need for paper-based transactions, minimizing deforestation and carbon emissions associated with paper production and transportation. By incentivizing fair trade and sustainable farming methods, we encourage carbon sequestration through forest preservation and organic farming practices. Additionally, our long-term goal of integrating AI to enhance efficiency will further optimize resource usage, reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. Kilosahihi's commitment to sustainability aligns with climate action objectives, contributing to a greener and more environmentally conscious future.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Kilosahihi indirectly contributes to preserving life below water by promoting sustainable farming practices among coffee farmers. By encouraging practices like shade-grown coffee cultivation, which helps maintain healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, our startup supports the conservation of aquatic habitats. Additionally, Kilosahihi's emphasis on fair trade reduces the incentive for harmful farming practices that can lead to water pollution and habitat destruction. Through our efforts to foster environmental stewardship within the coffee industry, we aim to safeguard marine life and aquatic ecosystems, aligning with the goal of preserving life below water.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Kilosahihi significantly impacts life on land by promoting sustainable land management practices within the coffee industry. Through fair trade incentives and transparent records, we encourage farmers to adopt practices such as agroforestry and soil conservation, preserving and enhancing land productivity and biodiversity. By minimizing deforestation through shade-grown coffee cultivation, our startup helps maintain habitats for diverse plant and animal species. Moreover, Kilosahihi's focus on fair payments ensures the economic stability of rural communities dependent on coffee farming, reducing the pressure for land degradation and urbanization. Through these efforts, we contribute to the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and promote harmonious coexistence with life on land.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Kilosahihi indirectly promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions by fostering transparency and fairness within the coffee supply chain. By ensuring fair payments to farmers and transparent transactions, we mitigate the potential for exploitation and conflict over resources. Our platform strengthens the institutional capacity of cooperative societies by providing robust tools for record-keeping and financial management, promoting accountability and trust within these institutions. By upholding fair trade standards and supporting the economic stability of rural communities, Kilosahihi contributes to peaceful coexistence and social cohesion, aligning with the goal of peace, justice, and strong institutions.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Kilosahihi actively promotes partnerships for the goal by collaborating with various stakeholders in the coffee industry. We work closely with coffee farmers, cooperative societies, government agencies, and NGOs to implement our solutions effectively. By fostering partnerships, we leverage collective expertise and resources to address challenges and achieve common objectives, such as promoting transparency, fairness, and sustainability. Kilosahihi's commitment to collaboration strengthens the resilience and impact of our initiatives, driving positive change across the coffee supply chain and advancing shared goals for a more equitable and sustainable future.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.01: Strongly disagree. While some solutions address aspects of transparency or efficiency in coffee farming, Kilosahihi's AI-inspired platform integrates mobile POS technology, web-based management, and fair trade principles, offering a pioneering and comprehensive approach in the industry. 06.02: Kilosahihi is a groundbreaking innovation in the coffee industry, introducing novel features that redefine how coffee farming operations are conducted. Leveraging AI technology, it sets a new standard for efficiency and transparency. 06.03: Our AI-inspired platform brings cutting-edge solutions to longstanding challenges in the coffee industry. By integrating mobile POS, web-based tools, and AI-driven insights, Kilosahihi empowers farmers and cooperatives with actionable data and insights, poised to transform the industry. 06.04: Kilosahihi significantly improves upon existing solutions by streamlining processes and ensuring fair compensation for farmers.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

In a realm dominated by giants like Scales and Software, Kilosahihi emerges as a beacon of innovation and fairness. Unlike our competitors, we're not just about scales and basic software. We're powered by Next.js and cloud-based auto-scaling for peak performance. Our scales? Government-stamped for trust and fairness. But what truly sets us apart? Farmers accessing records anytime, promoting equality and transparency. With AI integration on the horizon, Kilosahihi is poised to revolutionize the coffee farming landscape even further, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology for a brighter future.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

At Kilosahihi, we're dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering female entrepreneurs within our community. Through various initiatives, we strive to create opportunities for women to thrive in the coffee industry. From providing training and mentorship programs to fostering networks and partnerships, we're committed to breaking down barriers and championing the role of women in entrepreneurship. By elevating female voices and supporting their endeavors, we believe we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.