Kenya
Kenya’s economy, the largest in East Africa, has witnessed a period of recent stability, with increased credit access to the private sector, investment in infrastructure, and growth in key sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, and information and communication technology (ICT).
At the same time, unemployment and poverty rates remain high, with 35 percent of Kenyans living on less than a dollar per day, and food insecurity looms large due to poor farming methods and vulnerability to drought. TechnoServe, which has operated in Kenya since 1973, is well-positioned to address these challenges and contribute to the realization of the country’s aspirations through market-led approaches. Currently, TechnoServe is focusing on livestock, coffee, horticulture, food processing and entrepreneurship development, with an emphasis on engaging youth and women.
Kris Ansin
Country Director, Kenya
The Oval, 7th Floor, Ring Road, Parklands
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 20 3754333
Fax: +254 20 3751028
See the impact
Smart Duka: Empowering Shopkeepers in Nairobi
The Smart Duka program is working with enterprising shop owners in Nairobi’s informal settlements to increase the profitability of their small retail businesses. A partnership between TechnoServe, the elea Foundation and Citi Foundation, Smart Duka is equipping shop owners with the business knowledge and management skills they need to optimize their stores’ operations and financial performance.
Projects
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NutriSave
NutriSave, funded by the Gates Foundation and the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is an innovative three-year program with an equal dual objective of reducing food loss and waste and increasing access to nutritious fruits and vegetables to low-income communities in Kenya.
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Supporting Micro-Retailer Survival During COVID-19
TechnoServe and the Mastercard Foundation recently launched the Micro-Enterprises Strengthened for Pandemic Adaptation and Resilience in Kenya (mSPARK) program, a one-year partnership to support 28,000 entrepreneurs as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately move toward economic recovery.
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Boosting Nutrition and Opportunity in Africa
The inability to access safe, nutritious, and affordable food is a problem for many people across East and Southern Africa, leading to widespread malnutrition in children.
Blog Posts
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TechnoServe’s Year in Review: 10 Moments That Shaped 2025
In 2025, TechnoServe navigated challenges, launched exciting new initiatives, published cutting-edge research, and helped entrepreneurial people around the world create economic opportunity. Here are 10 milestone moments that marked the year at TechnoServe.
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From Coral Reefs to Coastal Resilience: Harnessing Marine Ecosystems for Sustainable Tourism in Kenya
Learn how young entrepreneurs are gaining the skills and resources they need to build businesses that thrive economically and contribute to environmental conservation.
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Re:Development: Redefining the Core of Global Development
In the first edition of our series, African think tank founder Rashid Abubakar calls for a transformative shift in how we understand and practice development.
Resources
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Export Readiness Playbook
Learn More: Export Readiness Playbook -
CASA Kenya Export Readiness Playbook
Learn More: CASA Kenya Export Readiness Playbook -
Transforming Food Systems and Improving Nutritional Outcomes Through Africa’s Food Processing Sector
Learn More: Transforming Food Systems and Improving Nutritional Outcomes Through Africa’s Food Processing Sector