Kenya is a regional leader in innovation, ranked number 62 globally and number 1 for startups in Eastern Africa. The East African country is an ideal place to locate for Energy & Environment, Foodtech and Transportation startups.
According to the report, there is a sample of 46 Energy & Environment startups in the country, 44 Foodtech startups in Kenya and 21 Transportation startups in Kenya. Furthermore, there is a sample of 203 startups in the country, four (4) accelerators in Kenya, and 18 coworking spaces in Kenya.
According to a Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) survey, Kenya was also ranked first on the top future investment destinations for Japanese investors. Kenya ranked top position due to Emerging startup companies and potential for collaboration, expanding demand for infrastructure, the potential of geothermal power, the hub function of East Africa, economic stability, Japan’s ODA and investment projects, the growth of the automobile industry, market size and future potential growth.
Top Cities for Startups in Kenya Ranked by StartupBlink
Two (2) Kenyan cities are ranked in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem report. The top-ranked city in Kenya is Nairobi, followed by Mombasa.
Nairobi, Kenya
Often referred to as Silicon Savannah, Nairobi represents Africa as the leading Startup ecosystem on the continent. The city boasts a booming tech scene on the back of the success of M-Pesa, while organisations like Konzo Techno City and Metta support and promote the city’s entrepreneurship spirit.
The Startup Ecosystem of Nairobi is ranked at number 163 globally and shows a negative momentum decreasing -27 spots since 2021. Nairobi also ranks 1st in the country and 1st in Eastern Africa.
Nairobi is an ideal location for Fintech, Energy & Environment and Foodtech startups. As the most popular industries in Nairobi, there is a sample of 43 Fintech startups in Nairobi, 38 Energy & Environment startups in Nairobi, and 21 Foodtech startups in Nairobi, on the StartupBlink Map.
Mombasa, Kenya
Mombasa, known for tourism, is rising as an investment hub in Africa. The city currently hosts many technology companies, generating millions of shillings annually.
The Startup Ecosystem of Mombasa is ranked at 891 globally and shows a negative momentum decreasing -135 spots since 2021. Mombasa also ranks 2nd in Kenya and 9th in Eastern Africa.
Mombasa is an ideal location for Software and Data, Marketing & Sales and Hardware & IoT startups. As the most popular industries in Mombasa, there is a sample of six (6) Software and Data startups in Mombasa, one (1) Marketing & Sales startup in Mombasa, and 1 Hardware & IoT startup in Mombasa, on the StartupBlink Map.
