Nanaheal Enterprises, an agritech startup founded by Mount Kenya University students Esbon Ogetto and Bettinah Maruti, has garnered widespread recognition after emerging as one of the 2024 AYuTe Africa Challenge winners.
The prestigious event, held during the Kenya Innovation Week in Nairobi, was organized by Heifer International to spotlight transformative agricultural innovations.
The competition drew 308 applicants, with 58 innovators advancing to the regional stage.
After a rigorous selection process, the top 10 finalists were chosen to participate in a month-long incubation program provided by the E4Impact Entrepreneurship Centre. This incubation offered vital resources, including mentorship, training, and networking opportunities designed to help these startups scale their solutions.
What is Nanaheal Enterprises?
Nanaheal Enterprises, which has developed a unique process to repurpose pineapple waste into carbon-negative fertilizer, stood out for its contribution to both sustainable agriculture and waste management.
The innovation addresses critical challenges related to climate change, soil degradation, and the environmental impact of agricultural waste. By turning pineapple waste into a valuable agricultural resource, Nanaheal is not only enhancing soil health but also promoting farmer productivity.
As the second runner-up in the competition, Nanaheal Enterprises was awarded a $3,800 prize and had the honour of presenting their innovative solution to President William Ruto during the opening ceremony of the Kenya Innovation Week at the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi.
In addition to the competition’s rewards, the start-up is currently part of the SKIES Business Incubation Program, a World Bank-funded initiative implemented by Mount Kenya University’s Innovation and Incubation Centre. This program further supports their growth and provides them with the resources necessary to refine their business model and scale up their impact.
Donatus Njoroge, the Head of Innovations, Intellectual Property, and Community Engagement at the University, expressed his pride in their success.
“Their innovation aligns with global efforts to combat climate change while enhancing soil health and farmer productivity. We will continue to help them refine their business model on the path to scale.”
Nanaheal Enterprises’ success underscores the immense potential of Mount Kenya University students innovators in leading the way in agritech and environmental sustainability.
