Mentoring Women Entrepreneurs in Kenya Through #MoreThanAWoman
In March 2025, our founder, Reedah El-Saie, was honoured to be invited by Innovate UK Business Connect to mentor female founders in Kenya. As part of the #MoreThanAWoman initiative from Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa, this programme is dedicated to empowering grassroots women innovators across South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.
Hosted by Basil O. Malaki, UK-Kenya Health Global Innovation Network lead, the programme brought together inspiring female founders for an immersive, week-long journey of mentorship, self-discovery, and growth.
Championing Female Founders in Africa
Among the standout founders were:
Mueni Kioko, co-founder of the multi-award-winning Zaoshinani, which is transforming Kenya’s agricultural industry by empowering local farmers through technology and financial services.
Fiona Owuor., solo founder of the award-winning Gyno Care Hub, a digital sexual and reproductive health platform for women and girls across Africa.
Both women are trailblazing new paths in health and agriculture, supported by a programme focused on practical training in business planning, storytelling, pitch development, and investment readiness.
The week unfolded with deeply personal and professional development work:
Day 1:
We explored role models, leadership traits, and our personal goals-setting the stage for each founder to build a powerful development plan rooted in authenticity and ambition.
Day 2:
Inside the Nairobi Kitchen, we shared the unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship: the loneliness of being a solo founder, challenges of co-founder dynamics, investor expectations, hiring, and bootstrapping.
Day 3:
While walking through Karura Forest-a pristine, litter-free sanctuary-we discussed the power of owning your story. We explored how introversion, modesty, and femininity can be strengths in business. Fiona courageously tested her pitch with women in the forest, gaining invaluable product insights and confidence.
Day 4:
Visiting Mueni’s local dairy and coffee farmers brought Zaoshinani’s mission to life. We witnessed first-hand the time-intensive processes and how technology is enabling real impact on the ground.
Day 5:
We wrapped up with strategic planning at the Nairobi Museum, supported by Mueni’s inspiring mother. From marketing strategies to personal targets, each founder left with a clearer roadmap forward.
At the end of this extraordinary week, Reedah travelled to Uganda to trek with the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Forest. Immersed in nature and away from technology, the experience offered time for reflection-on growth, resilience, and the power of community.
At Brainspark Games, we are proud to support women innovators who are building businesses with purpose, empathy, and ambition. This mentorship journey reminded us that the right support, at the right time, can spark transformations that ripple far beyond business.
How can we better support grassroots innovators around the world? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
