Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Empowering women in Kenya through sustainable e-mobility solutions, Yna Kenya's Her Go Deliveries program trains female riders to operate electric motorcycles for last-mile deliveries, reducing carbon emissions and promoting gender equality.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Yna Kenya, a Kenyan social enterprise founded in 2022, is transforming transportation through a powerful combination of sustainability and women's empowerment. Our core offering is Her Go Deliveries, a program that trains women to operate electric motorcycles for last-mile deliveries. This unique approach tackles multiple challenges: Her Go Deliveries empowers women by providing them with skills and economic opportunities in a traditionally male-dominated field (SDG 5: Gender Equality). Our electric motorcycles significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to gas-powered vehicles, contributing to a cleaner environment, with solar-powered battery swapping stations (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy & SDG 13: Climate Action). To ensure transparency and accountability, Yna Kenya utilizes cutting-edge technology. We leverage AI for carbon emission verification and blockchain for secure carbon credit posting. With a vision to empower 12,000 female riders in the next 5-10 years.

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

In Kenya's transportation sector, two major issues demand solutions: environmental pollution and limited opportunities for women. An estimated 2.2 million gas-powered motorcycles contribute a staggering 30% of the nation's carbon emissions (as per NDC reports), accelerating climate change and environmental degradation. Furthermore, the industry is a male-dominated field, with a mere 1% female representation among the 2.2 million riders. This stark gender disparity not only restricts economic opportunities for women but also reinforces existing societal inequalities. They are locked out of a potentially lucrative field, limiting their financial independence and perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage. Yna Kenya steps in to address these twin challenges head-on, aiming to create a more sustainable and inclusive transportation ecosystem. Through innovative solutions, Yna Kenya strives to empower women while simultaneously tackling environmental issues plaguing the nation.

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

na Kenya's services offer several key benefits and advantages: Environmental Impact: Our electric motorcycles significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional fuel-powered bikes, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. Each motorcycle saves approximately 4.8 tons of CO2 annually. Economic Empowerment for Women: By training and employing female riders, we address gender disparities in the transportation sector. This empowers women with stable employment opportunities, enhancing their economic independence and contributing to gender equality. Cost Efficiency for Businesses: Our electric motorcycles provide an affordable and sustainable solution for last-mile deliveries. Businesses benefit from lower operating costs, such as reduced fuel and maintenance expenses, while also meeting their sustainability goals. Technological Integration: We use IoT for carbon credit tracking, AI for carbon credit verification, and a blockchain platform for carbon credit posting.

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

Yna Kenya's product and services are aimed at serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including hotels, fast food chains, and other businesses that require efficient and reliable last-mile delivery solutions. Our targeted beneficiaries are: Women Riders: We specifically focus on training and employing women in the e-mobility sector. This empowers them with stable employment opportunities, promotes gender equality, and enhances their economic independence. SMEs: Businesses such as hotels, fast food outlets, and other local enterprises benefit from our cost-effective and sustainable delivery services. By using our electric motorcycles, they can reduce operational costs, meet their sustainability goals, and provide faster and more reliable deliveries to their customers. End Users: The ultimate recipients of the delivered goods, end users enjoy quicker and more environmentally friendly delivery services. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also raises awareness a

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-03-03

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

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

Mary Munyao, Co-Founder and COO: Mary Munyao brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Yna Kenya as the Chief Operating Officer. With a strong background in operations management and logistics, Mary is instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of our projects and initiatives. She has a proven track record of successfully managing large-scale operations, optimizing supply chains, and implementing efficient processes. David Munene, Co-Founder and CFO: David Munene serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Yna Kenya, leveraging his extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning. With a background in finance and accounting, David is responsible for overseeing the company's financial health, managing budgets, and securing funding for various projects. His expertise in financial analysis and investment strategies has been pivotal in attracting key investors and partners. David's strategic insight ensures the financial sustainability and growth of Yna Kenya.

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

https://www.yna.co.ke/ https://www.facebook.com/ynakenya/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ynakenya/ https://twitter.com/ynakenya

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

3

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Yna Kenya strongly agrees (7) that it contributes to the Gender Equality goal. Empowering Women Riders: Our core program, Her Go Deliveries, specifically targets women. We train and equip them to operate electric motorcycles for last-mile deliveries, providing them with: Economic Opportunities: Her Go Deliveries equips women with valuable skills and a source of income, fostering financial independence and breaking down economic barriers. Access to a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry: Yna Kenya disrupts the status quo by providing women with the training and resources to succeed in the motorcycle transportation sector. This challenges gender stereotypes and creates a more inclusive work environment. Breaking Societal Barriers: By empowering women and showcasing their success in the transportation sector, Yna Kenya works to dismantle societal norms that limit women's career choices. This can inspire future generations of women to pursue opportunities in traditionally male-dominated.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

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

Use of Solar Powered battery swapping stations

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

Providing Female riders with decent work in the transport industry.

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

Use of emerging technologies in the venture, IoT, AI and Blockchain.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Empowering women and creating equal opportunities.

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

Clean Transportation using electric motorcycles.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Saved 226tco2 in 2023

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

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

working with different partners to bring success to the project

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

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.

4

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

The introduction of electric motorcycles for deliveries creates new business opportunities, enhancing the overall economic landscape. We protect jobs by ensuring sustainable employment opportunities for our female riders and operational staff. Our assembly plant and solar-powered battery swapping stations also provide additional employment opportunities in various technical and support roles. This includes using locally manufactured components for our electric motorcycles and collaborating with local suppliers for our operational needs. programs are designed with a keen understanding of the local context, ensuring that our initiatives align with and support community traditions and norms. We regularly engage with the local community through meetings, feedback sessions, and transparent reporting. This approach builds trust and ensures that our initiatives are well-received and supported by the community.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors in the e-mobility sector include Ecobodaa, Arc Ride, and Ampersand. These companies also focus on electric motorcycles and sustainable transportation solutions within the African market. What Makes Us Stand Out: 1. Women Empowerment: Our focus on empowering women through training, employment, and mentorship in the e-mobility sector. 2. Sustainable Energy: Use of solar-powered battery swapping stations to promote clean energy and reduce carbon emissions. 3. Community Engagement: Deep integration with local communities, ensuring respect for regional values and customs while driving economic growth.

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

Yna Kenya actively promotes the role of female entrepreneurs in their community through their Her Go Deliveries program. Here are some examples of their initiatives: Empowering Women as Delivery Riders: Her Go Deliveries specifically trains and equips women to operate electric motorcycles for last-mile deliveries. This program provides them with the skills and resources to become business owners in a traditionally male-dominated field. Financial Independence and Opportunity Creation: By enabling women to earn a living through deliveries, Yna Kenya fosters financial independence and opens doors to new economic opportunities. This empowers women to participate more actively in the local economy. Role Model Effect: The success of female Her Go Delivery riders can inspire and motivate other women in the community to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. Seeing women thrive in this sector can break down gender stereotypes and encourage more women to become business owners.