Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Cloud Bikes Wote will operate a fleet of 200 Cloud bikes, both manual and electric, available for hire through a convenient, app-based rental system. The bikes can be used manually or with electric assistance for easier commuting.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

• The bike-sharing industry is growing rapidly worldwide, driven by urbanization, environmental concerns, and the need for efficient urban mobility solutions. • In Kenya, the demand for affordable and convenient transportation is high, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. To enhance mobility in Wote town, reduce travel time for students and residents, and contribute to the local economy by providing an efficient and affordable transportation solution, users will scan a QR code at the charging stations, pay via mobile phone, and ride for the specified duration. The model will be charging Ksh 20 for every half an hour of bike use, with an initial payment covering a two-hour ride and subsequent rides charged at the minimum set rate.

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

Cloud Bikes Wote addresses these problems by providing a bike-sharing service that offers the following benefits: Efficiency: Bikes are ideal for short distances and can navigate through traffic more quickly than larger vehicles, reducing travel time. Affordability: The pricing model of Ksh 20 per half-hour is cost-effective for users, particularly students who need to make frequent short trips. Eco-Friendliness: Using bikes, both manual and electric, helps reduce the carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner environment. Convenience: Bikes can be easily accessed at strategically placed docking stations, providing a convenient transportation option that is always available. Health Benefits: Encouraging biking promotes physical exercise, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community. By addressing these key issues, Cloud Bikes Wote aims to enhance mobility, reduce transportation costs, improve environmental sustainability, and promote healthier lifestyles.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1. Cost-Effective Transportation: Affordable Pricing and initial Ride Discount. 2. Environmental Sustainability: Eco-Friendly Transportation will contribute to a cleaner environment and a Sustainable Urban Mobility that helps in reducing traffic congestion, which is often a result of too many motorized vehicles on the road. This also leads to a reduction in air and noise pollution in the town. 3. Convenient and Efficient Mobility: Accessibility since bikes are available at strategically placed docking stations around the Technical Training Institute, CBD, and other high-traffic areas, ensuring that users can easily find and return bikes as needed in Quick Short-Distance Travel. 4. Physical Exercise and Health Fitness: Regular use of bikes encourages physical activity, which is beneficial for users' health. 5. Technological Integration and Ease of Use: App-Based System and Real-Time Availability. 6. Community and Economic Benefits: Local Economic Growth and Support for Education.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

• Primary: Students at Wote Technical Training Institute (approximately 2,000 students). • Secondary: Local residents and visitors to Wote town.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-02

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

1. Name: Anthony M. Mwanthi Age: 38 Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree in Meteorology from the University of Nairobi Master’s Degree in Climate Change from same University Skills and Experience: Technical Expertise: Anthony has a strong background in Climate Change and renewable energy, particularly in prediction and operational forecasting . Project Management: He has over 10 years of experience in project management, having overseen multiple large-scale infrastructure projects in Kenya.Innovation and Problem-Solving: Known for his innovative approach, He has developed and implemented sustainable solutions in previous roles. Name: Ruth K.Wanjiru Age: 27 Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from JKUAT Masters of Science in Water Conservancy and Hydro-power Tech from Hohai University- China Skills and Experience: Marketing and Sales: Grace has over 4 years of experience in marketing and sales, with a proven track record of successful marketing.

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

j) Public services

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Cloud Bikes Wote contributes to poverty reduction by creating job opportunities, providing affordable transportation, enhancing economic activity, improving access to education and healthcare, and promoting overall community development. By addressing these critical areas, the project helps lift individuals and families out of poverty and fosters sustainable economic growth in Wote town.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Cloud Bikes Wote can contribute to achieving Zero Hunger (SDG 2) in several indirect but impactful ways: While it primarily addresses transportation needs, its broader impact on economic empowerment, market access, community health, and environmental sustainability can significantly contribute to achieving Zero Hunger. By creating synergies with local food systems and supporting the livelihoods of those involved in agriculture and food distribution, the project can help foster a more food-secure community in Wote town.

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Cloud Bikes Wote contributes to Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) by promoting physical activity, improving mental health, reducing air pollution, and enhancing access to healthcare. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and targeted health campaigns, the bike-sharing service can play a pivotal role in fostering a healthier, more active, and well-informed community in Wote town.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Cloud Bikes Wote contributes to Quality Education (SDG 4) by improving access to educational institutions, reducing transportation costs, and enhancing learning opportunities. By fostering partnerships with schools, supporting educators, and promoting healthy lifestyles, the bike-sharing service can play a crucial role in creating an enabling environment for quality education in Wote town. Student Discounts and Incentives: Offer special discounts or loyalty programs for students to make the service even more affordable and encourage regular use. Provide incentives such as free rides for students who achieve certain academic milestones or participate in educational programs. Educational Partnerships: Partner with educational institutions to integrate the bike-sharing service into their transportation plans. Offer special packages or subscriptions for schools. Collaborate with schools to promote biking safety and environmental awareness through workshops and seminars.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

3

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Cloud Bikes Wote contributes to Gender Equality (SDG 5) by enhancing mobility, creating economic opportunities, supporting access to education, promoting health and well-being, and fostering independence among women. Through targeted initiatives and partnerships, the bike-sharing service can play a crucial role in breaking down gender barriers and empowering women in Wote town. Partnerships with Women’s Organizations: Collaboration with NGOs: Partner with local NGOs and women’s organizations to understand and address the specific needs of women in the community. Use their insights to shape policies and practices that support gender equality. Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns: Work with these organizations to run advocacy and awareness campaigns on the importance of gender equality and the role of mobility in empowering women.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Eco-Friendly Stations: Ensure that bike docking stations and related infrastructure are built using sustainable materials and practices that do not harm the local water sources. Green Spaces: Develop green spaces around docking stations to improve local environments and reduce urban runoff. Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives: Funding and Support: Allocate a portion of the profits from Cloud Bikes Wote to support local clean water and sanitation projects. Volunteer Programs: Encourage employees and users to volunteer in local water and sanitation projects, fostering a community spirit and a direct contribution to SDG 6. Monitoring and Reporting: Impact Assessment: Regularly assess and report the impact of Cloud Bikes Wote on local water quality and sanitation. Use these reports to improve practices and highlight successes. Feedback Mechanism: Implement a feedback mechanism for the community to report water and sanitation issues on time.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Cloud Bikes Wote contributes to Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) by promoting the use of electric bikes, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, supporting renewable energy projects, and educating the community about clean energy. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, the bike-sharing service can play a vital role in advancing the availability and adoption of affordable and clean energy in Wote town. Supporting Local Clean Energy Initiatives: Investment and Sponsorship and Corporate Social Responsibility. Monitoring and Reporting: Energy Usage Tracking: Implement systems to track and report on the energy usage and savings from using electric bikes and renewable energy sources. Use this data to improve operations and demonstrate the impact. Sustainability Reports: Publish regular sustainability reports detailing the contributions to clean energy, including the amount of energy saved and emissions reduced through the use of electric bikes and renewable energy.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Cloud Bikes Wote contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by creating job opportunities, supporting local businesses, providing affordable transportation, and fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation. Through targeted initiatives and community engagement, the bike-sharing service can play a crucial role in driving economic growth and ensuring decent work for all in town. Entrepreneurial Support: Partnerships with Local Businesses: Collaborate with local businesses to create synergies, such as offering discounts at local shops for bike users, which can drive more traffic to these businesses. Business Incubation Programs: Support entrepreneurial ventures related to the bike-sharing ecosystem, such as startups focusing on bike accessories, repair services, or related technologies. Sustainability and Innovation: Green Practices and Technology Integration: Continuously integrate new technologies to improve the efficiency and user experience of the bike-sharing.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Development of Sustainable Infrastructure: Bike Lanes and Paths: Establishing dedicated bike lanes and paths promotes safe and efficient transportation infrastructure, reducing congestion and improving overall urban mobility. Docking Stations: Installing well-designed and strategically placed docking stations ensures easy access and encourages more people to use the bike-sharing service. Promotion of Technological Innovation: Smart Bike-Sharing System: Utilizing a smart system with GPS tracking, mobile app integration, and cashless payment options showcases the use of modern technology in enhancing urban mobility solutions. Data Analytics: Leveraging data analytics to monitor bike usage patterns, optimize docking station locations, and improve overall service efficiency demonstrates the application of data-driven decision-making. Support for Local Industry: Local Manufacturing and Maintenance: Partnering with local manufacturers for bike production and local businesses for maintenance.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Targeted Outreach and Hiring: Inclusive Hiring Practices: Implement hiring practices that focus on recruiting individuals from marginalized communities, ensuring that job opportunities are accessible to all. Training Programs: Offer training and development programs to help employees from disadvantaged backgrounds build skills and advance in their careers. Accessible Infrastructure: Equitable Placement of Stations: Ensure that bike stations are evenly distributed across different areas, including low-income neighborhoods, to provide equal access to the service. Adaptations for Accessibility: Design bike stations and bikes that are accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring that the service is inclusive. Monitoring and Evaluation: Track Usage Patterns: Monitor usage patterns to ensure that the service is being utilized by people from diverse backgrounds and income levels. Impact Assessment: Regularly assess the impact of the service on reducing inequalities by use of this data.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Promotion of Sustainable Transportation: Reduction of Traffic Congestion: By offering an alternative mode of transportation, Cloud Bikes Wote helps reduce the number of cars and motorcycles on the road, alleviating traffic congestion and improving the flow of urban mobility. Decrease in Pollution: Biking produces zero emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a reduction in noise pollution. This improvement in air quality supports healthier urban living conditions. Support for Green Urban Infrastructure: Development of Bike Lanes: Encouraging the development and expansion of dedicated bike lanes enhances the safety and efficiency of biking, making cities more bike-friendly. Integration with Public Transit: By providing first- and last-mile connectivity to public transit systems, the bike-sharing service promotes the use of public transportation, thereby reducing reliance on private vehicles.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Circular Economy Practices: Bike Lifecycle Management: Implementing practices to ensure the efficient use of bikes throughout their lifecycle, including regular maintenance, repair, and refurbishment, helps extend the life of each bike and reduces waste. Recycling and Reuse: At the end of their usable life, bikes and their components can be recycled or repurposed, minimizing environmental impact and promoting the principles of a circular economy. Sustainable Business Operations: Eco-Friendly Materials: Using sustainable materials in the production of bikes and infrastructure, such as recyclable metals and eco-friendly paints, reduces the environmental footprint of the bike-sharing service. Renewable Energy Use: Powering electric bikes and charging stations with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, supports sustainable production and reduces the carbon footprint of the service.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Zero-Emission Transport: By promoting biking over motorized vehicles, Cloud Bikes Wote helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bikes produce zero emissions, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to cars and motorcycles. Lower Carbon Footprint: The widespread use of bikes for short-distance travel reduces the overall carbon footprint of the community, contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change. Promotion of Renewable Energy: Solar-Powered Charging Stations:Incentive Programs for Users: Eco-Friendly Incentives: Offer rewards or incentives for users who frequently use the bike-sharing service, promoting consistent low-carbon transportation habits. Carbon Offset Programs: Develop programs where users can contribute to carbon offset projects, such as reforestation or renewable energy projects, when they use the bike-sharing service.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Reduction of Pollution: Lower Emissions: By reducing reliance on motorized vehicles, Cloud Bikes Wote helps decrease air pollution, which can deposit harmful chemicals into water bodies through atmospheric deposition. This reduction in pollutants benefits marine ecosystems. Less Road Runoff: Fewer motor vehicles mean less oil, heavy metals, and other pollutants on roads that can be washed into rivers, lakes, and ultimately the ocean during rainstorms. Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Eco-Friendly Materials: Using sustainable and non-toxic materials for bikes and infrastructure minimizes the release of harmful substances that could end up in water bodies. Recycling Programs: Proper disposal and recycling of bike parts and batteries prevent potential pollutants from entering the waterways.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Reduction of Air and Soil Pollution: Lower Emissions: By promoting the use of bikes over motorized vehicles, Cloud Bikes Wote reduces emissions of pollutants that can harm terrestrial ecosystems. Decreased Road Runoff: Fewer motor vehicles mean less oil, heavy metals, and other pollutants on roads that can wash into soils and harm terrestrial ecosystems. Promotion of Sustainable Land Use: Green Infrastructure: Establishing bike lanes and paths integrated with green spaces can help preserve urban green areas and reduce the need for land-consuming infrastructure. Urban Greening Initiatives: Partner with local authorities and organizations to plant trees and create green spaces along bike paths, enhancing urban biodiversity. Support for Biodiversity: Habitat Protection: Supporting the development of green corridors and protecting existing green spaces helps maintain habitats for various species, promoting biodiversity.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Community Outreach and Participation: Stakeholder Meetings: Regularly hold meetings with community stakeholders, including local government officials, community leaders, and users, to discuss the bike-sharing service and gather input on improvements. Public Forums: Organize public forums to educate the community about the bike-sharing service, its benefits, and how they can get involved in decision-making processes. Transparency and Accountability Initiatives: Open Data Policies: Adopt open data policies that allow the public to access information about the bike-sharing service, including financial data, usage statistics, and environmental impact reports. Annual Reports: Publish annual reports detailing the service's performance, challenges, and future plans, ensuring transparency and accountability. Conflict Prevention and Community Safety: Safe Design Principles: Design bike stations and paths with safety in mind, including proper lighting, surveillance etc.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Leveraging Financial Resources: Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Engaging in PPPs to secure funding for the expansion and maintenance of the bike-sharing network, ensuring financial sustainability and scalability. Grant and Funding Opportunities: Applying for grants and funding from international organizations, environmental NGOs, and government agencies to support sustainable transportation projects. Knowledge Sharing and Innovation: Best Practices Exchange: Sharing best practices and lessons learned with other cities and bike-sharing programs to promote innovation and continuous improvement in urban mobility solutions. Research Collaborations: Partnering with academic and research institutions to study the impacts of bike-sharing on urban mobility, public health, and the environment, and to develop data-driven solutions.

05.01 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

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

4

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

5

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

Bike-sharing is not a completely new concept; it has been implemented in many cities globally. However, while the idea is not entirely new, its specific adaptation to the local context of Wote town, including integration with renewable energy sources and community-focused features, adds some new elements to the established model. Cloud Bikes Wote leverages existing bike-sharing technology and practices but introduces significant improvements and adaptations to meet local needs, support sustainability, and enhance community benefits. It represents an innovative application of an established service, tailored to address specific urban mobility challenges in Wote town.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Main Potential Competitors for Cloud Bikes Wote 1. Boda-Bodas (Motorcycle Taxis) What Makes Cloud Bikes Wote Stand Out: Affordability: Lower cost per trip compared to boda-bodas, making it a cost-effective option for frequent use. Safety: Promotes a safer mode of transport with designated bike lanes and infrastructure. Environmental Benefits: Zero emissions, contributing to cleaner air and reduced noise pollution. 2. Matatus (Minibuses) What Makes Cloud Bikes Wote Stand Out: Flexibility: Offers flexible routes and schedules tailored to individual needs. Speed and Efficiency: Bypasses traffic congestion, providing a quicker alternative for short distances. Sustainability: Promotes sustainable transport with no emissions. 3.

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

Workshops and Seminars Action: Organize workshops and seminars focused on entrepreneurship for women. Details: Entrepreneurship Training: Conduct training sessions on topics such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and leadership. Industry Insights: Invite successful female entrepreneurs to share their experiences and insights with aspiring businesswomen. Impact: Provides valuable knowledge and skills to women interested in entrepreneurship. Encourages knowledge sharing and peer learning among women.