Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

An innovative, unique and universal platform that delivers audio content on demand using USSD and voice technology, making it accessible without the need for internet and smartphones.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Adoption of mobile phones in Kenya, and globally, is increasing annually and users no longer utilize the devices for just calls. The devices are now used for transactions, as source of information and entertainment. However, one of the pain points in the usage of the mobile phones is access to internet due to the cost of connection. This system seeks to increase access to multimedia content to mobile phone users without internet connection. This invention is a hybrid system that distributes and delivers content to a user’s device through a combination of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technologies. Without internet, the user dials in a USSD code and is presented with categories/sub-categories or taken directly to the content menu after which they key in the corresponding number to access the content. To deliver the content, the system switches from USSD to IVR to play the content.

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

Socio-economic disparities, digital divide, and limited opportunities for personal and community development in the underserved population due to limited access to multimedia content caused by internet challenges.

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

Information Access: Dissemination of vital information such as health tips, agricultural advice, news, as well as entertainment and inspirational content in offline, mobile-friendly multi-media format.  Socio-Economic Impact: Reduced digital divide and inequities and social empowerment. Economic Impact: Potential to create job opportunities and income streams in content creation and distribution. With current estimates, platform has potential to enable circulation of at least KSh. 1.7 billion in the economy Kenyan in 10 years.

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

The platform's primary targeted beneficiaries are: Rural and underserved communities and Individuals with limited access to the internet. While the secondary targeted beneficiaries are: Content creators, NGOs and educational institutions, and Government and public service entities.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2019-09-01

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

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

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

NA

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?

i) Communication services (telecommunications, media, interactive services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The platform aims at democratizing access to multimedia information and resources. In regions with limited internet connectivity, this platform will provide valuable educational content, training, and agricultural guidance via mobile phones. By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, it will enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential. Additionally, it can also deliver health and financial literacy information (even in local languages), helping communities make informed decisions and improve their economic stability. Farmers will also receive multimedia and personalised updates on weather, market prices, and best practices, boosting productivity and income - this is currently done through text only.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Audio content is more engaging than text-only content. This platform takes the successes of radio a step further by personalising engagement with farmers in remote and underserved areas. This platform can disseminate knowledge about modern farming techniques and sustainable practices, enabling farmers to increase their productivity and crop yields. It can provide real-time weather forecasts and market price updates, helping farmers make informed decisions. Furthermore, the platform can offer nutritional education to communities, promoting better dietary practices. By delivering information on efficient food storage and preservation methods, it can reduce post-harvest losses and food waste. In emergency situations, such as droughts or floods, the platform can quickly disseminate critical information about relief programs and resources.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

The platform will help in making essential health information accessible to underserved populations. In areas with limited internet access, this platform can provide critical health education, preventive care tips, and information on hygiene and sanitation via mobile phones. It can facilitate timely dissemination of information about maternal and child health and disease prevention, ensuring that communities are well-informed and can take proactive measures to protect their health. The platform can also offer guidance on managing chronic conditions, mental health support, and substance abuse prevention, contributing to overall well-being. Moreover, during health crises, such as pandemics, this platform can rapidly spread awareness about symptoms, safety protocols, and available healthcare services, mitigating the impact on vulnerable populations. Healthcare workers can also benefit from this platform by receiving training and updates on best practices.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

This platform can deliver educational content directly to mobile phones, ensuring that students and lifelong learners in remote and underserved areas have access to learning materials. By offering courses in various subjects, from basic literacy to advanced vocational training, this platform can enhance educational opportunities for all age groups. It can provide lessons in local languages, making education more inclusive and accessible. Additionally, it can support teachers with training and resources to improve their teaching methods and stay updated on educational best practices. For adult learners, it can provide skills training and information on job opportunities, enhancing their employability and economic prospects. Furthermore, in crisis situations such as school closures due to pandemics or natural disasters, this platform can ensure continuity of education by delivering curriculum-based content and updates on educational programs.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The platform can provide accessible information and education to women and girls in remote and underserved areas directly to their mobile phones, ensuring that critical information reaches those without internet access. By offering educational programs on women's rights, health, and financial literacy, the platform empowers women with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their lives and bodies. It can also provide vocational training and entrepreneurial skills, enhancing women's economic opportunities and independence. The platform can address gender-based violence by offering information on legal rights, support services, and safety planning. It can also promote gender-sensitive education for boys and men, fostering a culture of respect and equality. Where traditional gender roles may be more pronounced, the platform can challenge stereotypes by promoting benefits of gender equality for the whole community thus breaking down barriers and create a more inclusive society.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

This platform can deliver vital content on water conservation, hygiene practices, and sanitation directly to mobile phones, reaching even the most remote and underserved populations. By offering educational programs on the importance of clean water and proper sanitation, the platform can raise awareness about waterborne diseases and promote best practices for water use and waste management. It can provide step-by-step guidance on building and maintaining safe sanitation facilities, such as latrines and handwashing stations, which can significantly reduce the spread of diseases. The platform can also deliver information on purifying water at home, safe water storage techniques, and the benefits of rainwater harvesting, empowering communities to manage their water resources more effectively. During times of crisis, such as natural disasters or water shortages, the platform can quickly disseminate critical information on emergency measures and relief resources.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

By offering educational programs on the benefits and availability of affordable and clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, and biogas, the platform can raise awareness and promote the adoption of sustainable energy solutions. It can provide practical guidance on the installation, maintenance, and efficient use of renewable energy technologies, helping households and small businesses reduce their reliance on costly and polluting fossil fuels. In areas with unreliable electricity access, the platform can offer tips on energy conservation and the use of energy-efficient appliances, reducing overall energy consumption and costs. During power outages or energy crises, it can quickly disseminate information on alternative energy sources and emergency measures. By empowering communities with knowledge and resources, the platform fosters greater energy independence, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The key point in achieving this goal is that the platform can directly support the creative economy by giving content creators - like comedians and musicians - a space where they can upload their content and earn revenues directly without so many intermediaries. They creatives will also be able to dictate the pricing of their content. For workers in the informal economy, the platform can offer information on workers' rights, safety standards, and labor laws, promoting decent working conditions and fair wages. It can also provide updates on relevant government policies, subsidies, and support programs that can aid economic growth and stability. Additionally, the platform can promote financial inclusion by educating users about banking services, microfinance, and savings options, helping individuals manage their finances more effectively and build economic resilience.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

By democratizing access to essential knowledge and resources, this platform plays a pivotal role in promoting industrial growth, fostering innovation, and improving infrastructure in underserved areas, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development and resilience through: enhancing industrial skills, promoting entrepreneurship, bridging the digital divide and encouraging collaboration.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

By democratizing access to essential information and resources, this platform helps to level the playing field, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or location, have the opportunity to improve their lives and reduce inequalities. The inclusive approach fosters social cohesion and supports the broader goal of creating a more equitable and just society.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By leveraging technology to bridge information gaps and empower local residents, the platform supports the broader goal of achieving sustainable urban development and improving quality of life for all through a number of efforts that contribute to creating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities and communities where residents can thrive socially, economically, and environmentally.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The platforms offers a medium to educate consumers, empower producers, promote circular economy, share best practices and encourage policy engagement. Through these efforts, the platform contributes to reducing waste generation, promoting resource efficiency, and fostering a more sustainable and resilient economy. By empowering individuals and businesses with knowledge and tools for responsible consumption and production, the platform supports the transition towards a sustainable future for all.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

The platform can help empower communities to take proactive steps towards climate mitigation and adaptation by fostering knowledge-sharing, advocacy, and practical solutions.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

The platform can help empower coastal communities to become active stewards of marine ecosystems by fostering knowledge-sharing, advocacy, and practical conservation actions thus contributing to the preservation and sustainable management of life below water, ensuring future generations can continue to benefit from healthy oceans and coastal environments.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

By promoting education, awareness, and action, the platform can empower communities to take proactive steps towards preserving terrestrial ecosystems, promoting sustainable land use, and protecting biodiversity.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

The platform can support the establishment of peaceful and inclusive societies, ensures access to justice for all, and strengthens institutions that uphold the rule of law by promoting transparency, accountability, and civic engagement.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

he platform contributes to strengthening partnerships, fostering collective action, and mobilizing resources towards achieving the SDGs by promoting inclusive and collaborative approaches to sustainable development through emphasis on shared prosperity, peace, and environmental stewardship.

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

3

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

The platform has a valid patent issued by Kenya Industrial Property Institute in 2021 - this proves its novelty. Besides that, it stands out due to its use of USSD and Voice technologies, enabling access to critical information without internet connectivity. It reaches underserved communities, bridging the digital divide effectively. By delivering educational content, health advisories, and economic opportunities directly to mobile phones, it empowers users with actionable knowledge. The platform’s emphasis on inclusivity, real-time information delivery, and capacity building makes it a pioneering tool for equitable development and empowerment in remote areas.

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

The platform's main competitors include traditional media outlets, basic mobile apps, and similar USSD-based services. However, what sets this platform apart is its holistic approach to community empowerment through comprehensive educational content, delivered via both USSD and Voice technology. Its ability to operate offline and on basic phones ensure accessibility in areas with limited internet connectivity, a significant advantage over traditional media and basic apps. This positions the platform as a unique and innovative tool for inclusive development and empowerment.

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

Not at the moment but this will be an area of priority in the future as highlighted in the SDGs section.