- Young innovators from the coastal county of Mombasa might soon be smiling their way to the bank
- The county government of Mombasa announced plans to allocate millions that will be used in buying innovations from them
- Deputy Governor Francis Thoya explained the reason behind the initiative that many innovators are likely to benefit from
The county government of Mombasa has announced plans to allocate millions of shillings to purchase and support innovative solutions developed by the youth.
This is part of the county’s strategy to promote entrepreneurship and address rising youth unemployment.
How Mombasa county plans to invest in local innovations
Speaking during the launch of the 6th edition of Pwani Innovation Week in Mombasa on Thursday, August 7, Deputy Governor Francis Thoya emphasised the county’s commitment to not only support but also invest in local innovations.
“To ensure sustainability of youth-driven innovations, the county government will either buy or partner with innovators whose solutions address real problems faced by various county departments,” Thoya said.
He revealed that Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s administration has directed all county departments to identify and document key challenges they face, which will then be shared with young innovators during Pwani Innovation Week.
The goal is to create a pipeline of local, practical solutions that can be adopted by the county and its partners.
“Many departments have existing challenges that require innovative interventions. By engaging youth through platforms like this, we are not just supporting ideas, we are investing in sustainable development,” noted the deputy county boss.
State of unemployment among youth in Mombasa
According to recent data, the unemployment rate among youth in Mombasa stands at 35 per cent. However, leaders and stakeholders remain optimistic that innovation-focused initiatives like Pwani Innovation Week will help bridge the gap by fostering job creation and entrepreneurship.
Thoya praised the initiative’s impact since its inception in 2018, noting that over 2,000 young people have been engaged in innovation and entrepreneurship activities across the coastal region.
“I was elated to learn about a young innovator who developed StockApp, which received funding through Pwani Innovation Week in 2018. Today, he has returned to Swahili Pot and created five well-paying jobs for other young people. These are the success stories we want to replicate throughout the coastal ecosystem,” he said.
Thoya further reiterated the county’s dedication to making Pwani Innovation Week more than just an annual gathering. The 2025 edition of the event is scheduled to run from October 27 to 31 at the Swahili Pot Hub.
How important is Pwani Innovation Week?
Pwani Innovation Week patron Mahmoud Noor said the flagship event is a platform for innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to showcase their ideas and solutions, with a focus on the coast region of Kenya.
“This is a haven for young people. Pwani Innovation Week is truly a game changer in entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Vice Chancellor Professor Laila Abubakar.
She also emphasised the region’s untapped potential, calling for youth-led innovations that support sectors such as fisheries and the blue economy, while also empowering women-led enterprises.
This year's theme is 'Youth Agency, Innovation, and Sustainability'.
How do Kenyan youth make money online?
Previously, zaia news.co.ke reported that more than half of Kenyan youth make money from social media.
A report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that the rise is due to the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Influencing, dropshipping, and freelancing were listed as some of the main activities earning Kemyan youth money.