Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Through our 6-week incubation, we provide expertise in e-waste management education and hands-on training on the repair, refurbishment, and recycling of electronic devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones, & tablets to young aspiring entrepreneurs

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

We provide expertise in e-waste management education and hands-on training to repair, refurbish, and recycle electronic devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones, & tablets to young aspiring entrepreneurs through our 6-week incubation program to tackle climate challenges and champion environmental sustainability in Nairobi, Kenya..

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

The main problem my startup is tackling is the lack of affordable digital literacy education and basic e-waste repair skills among low-income youth in Nairobi County. Our business disrupts the e-waste sector by empowering low-income youth in Nairobi, Kenya, to become young entrepreneurs, as well as securing job placements in the e-waste sector, driving a sustainable circular economy.

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

The following are the 3 major benefits or advantages my startup provides. 1. Our 6-week program provides in-demand e-waste management, repair, and recycling skills significantly faster than traditional education routes. 2. The program includes 2 months of guided practice, business coaching, and mentorship, ensuring participants are well-prepared for real-world applications. 3. Participants are equipped to launch their own e-waste businesses or secure green jobs, promoting economic growth and sustainability in low-income areas of Nairobi County.

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

My startup targets youth (aged 18–35) living in low-income areas of Nairobi County. The estimated population is 2.25 million (based on KNBS 2019 data, 50% of youth live in low-income areas). These young people come from low-income areas in Nairobi County like Kibera, Mathare, and Dandora slums, among others.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-01-24

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

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

Not applicable

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

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Education

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By providing practical e-waste management, repair, and recycling skills to young people from low-income areas through a 6-week training program, followed by 2 months of guided practice, coaching, and mentorship, Franky's Foundation empowers participants to start e-waste businesses or secure green jobs. This initiative creates sustainable income opportunities, reduces unemployment, and fosters economic self-sufficiency, contributing directly to poverty alleviation in underserved communities.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Zero Hunger goal by empowering individuals through affordable skills training in e-waste management, which enhances economic opportunities and food security in low-income communities.

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

My startup contributes to the Good Health and Well-Being goal by providing education and hands-on training in e-waste management, which promotes a cleaner environment and reduces health risks associated with improper electronic waste disposal.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Quality Education goal by providing a focused 6-week training/incubation program on e-waste management, repair, and recycling for young people in low-income areas. This practical, hands-on education bridges the gap between traditional academic curricula and market needs, offering valuable skills that are directly applicable to the job market. Our program also includes 2 months of guided practice, business coaching, and mentorship, enhancing learning outcomes and preparing participants for real-world challenges. This approach promotes lifelong learning and equips individuals with the tools needed for sustainable careers.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Gender Equality goal by providing equal access to e-waste management training for both men and women, promoting gender-inclusive participation in skill development, and promoting equal economic opportunities in Nairobi, Kenya.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Clean Water and Sanitation goal by training communities in proper e-waste disposal, preventing water pollution, and promoting sustainable water use practices in Nairobi County.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the affordable and clean energy goal by promoting e-waste management and recycling, reducing the need for new manufacturing, and lowering overall energy consumption.

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

My startup contributes to decent work and economic growth by providing training in e-waste management and recycling, creating job opportunities, and promoting entrepreneurship in Nairobi County low-income areas.

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

My startup contributes to industry Innovation and Infrastructure by providing advanced training in e-waste management and recycling, promoting sustainable industry practices, and supporting the development of local infrastructure for effective e-waste processing in Kenya.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Reduced Inequalities goal by providing equal access to e-waste management training for young people from low-income areas, empowering them with skills for employment and entrepreneurship, thus narrowing socio-economic gaps in Nairobi County.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Sustainable Cities and Communities goal by promoting responsible e-waste management and recycling, reducing urban pollution, and promoting sustainable practices that enhance the environmental health and resilience of communities in Kenya.

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

My startup contributes to the responsible consumption and production goal, by promoting responsible consumption and production by educating communities on e-waste management, reducing electronic waste, and promoting sustainable recycling practices. This reduces environmental impact and aligns with sustainable resource use and waste management.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Climate Action goal by training young people in e-waste management, repair, and recycling. We reduce carbon emissions by extending the lifespan of electronics through refurbishment and promoting sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience in communities as well.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Life Below Water goal by promoting responsible e-waste management through education and training. By reducing electronic waste disposal into water bodies, we mitigate marine pollution, safeguard aquatic ecosystems, and support global sustainable development goals for marine conservation and biodiversity.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the Life on Land goal by promoting responsible e-waste management, reducing land pollution, and promoting sustainable practices through education and training. This initiative aims to conserve land resources, biodiversity, and environmental health, aligning with global efforts for sustainable land use and conservation.

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

My startup contributes to the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions goal by promoting social justice and community empowerment through e-waste management education and training. This promotes economic opportunities, reduces inequality, and strengthens institutions, aiming for inclusive societies and sustainable development.

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

My startup contributes to partnerships for the goal through collaborations to our enhance e-waste management practices. So far, we have partnered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) from New York City, IF SOCIAL IMPACT from Germany, Charity Lush Port from the UK, Gov-junction from the UK, as well as Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) from Kenya. These organizations supported our cause by funding our Digital Literacy and E-waste Empowerment Incubation Program. Through partnerships with media giants like KBC TV and Nation Media Group from Kenya, our incubation program has been aired for free, reaching a wide audience and furthering our mission of empowerment and education in e-waste management. Currently, we are collaborating with the National Government of Kenya Department of ICT and Innovation, as well as the Nairobi County Government's Department of Youth Affairs, who are providing free training space and an e-waste collection area for our incubation program.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

My startup incubation program demonstrates innovative approaches and methods by uniquely integrating affordable and very short technical training with entrepreneurial education, equipping graduates to apply their e-waste expertise to launching and sustaining businesses as others get job placement opportunities. Our program prepares them to address environmental challenges effectively while promoting economic opportunities in Kenya and Nairobi County. We encourage active learning and promote the circular economy as well.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

TVETs (Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions) are our main potential competitors, offering general vocational education programs lasting from 6 to 24 months, typically with high tuition fees. We differentiate ourselves by specializing in an affordable 6-week curriculum focused on e-waste repair and recycling, specifically targeting electronic devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets, a niche not covered by TVETs curriculum in Kenya. Our program prepares participants for sustainable careers in electronic device management through hands-on training as well as mentorship.

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

Yes, my startup promotes the role of female entrepreneurs in Nairobi, Kenya. For example, we have received several awards, such as the 2022 Stories of Change competition from Gov Junctions in the UK and the IF Social Impact Prize 2023 from Germany for digitally empowering aspiring young women entrepreneurs through technology in Nairobi County