The fourth Eldoret City Innovation Week is scheduled to take place at Zion Mall, bringing together universities, TVET institutions, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, development partners, county and national government officials, and industry players. This year's event, themed "Innovating the North Rift: Driving Inclusive Growth Through Technology, Enterprise & Sustainability," aims to promote technology, enterprise, and innovation as drivers of inclusive economic growth. Organisers expect the event to provide a platform for young people to showcase their innovations and connect with potential partners and investors.
The event's organising committee chairperson, Douglas Maina, stated that the Innovation Week has grown steadily since its inception and has become one of the region's most anticipated platforms for enterprise, technology, and youth development. Maina, who founded the initiative, noted that the event has created a platform for young innovators to access support and opportunities to develop their ideas. He added that the initiative has grown from a conversation into a movement.
This year's event will feature a new segment, the Youth Dome, a dedicated space for the creative economy, youth talent, and mentorship. The organisers said the initiative would be central to their target of directly reaching and engaging more than 2,500 young people from the region. The Youth Dome will host mentorship sessions, skills masterclasses, career and enterprise clinics, as well as talent and pitch showcases.
The sessions at the Youth Dome are expected to connect young people with practical skills, mentors, and opportunities within the region's innovation ecosystem. Maina stated that the event will also feature speakers and participants from the technology, agriculture, health, finance, education, and public service sectors. The wider programme will provide a platform for innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their work while creating opportunities for collaboration between the private sector, government, and young people.
The fourth edition of the Eldoret City Innovation Week will climax on October 9, with Secretary for ICT, E-Government, and the Digital Economy Mary Kerema expected to attend as the chief guest. Maina urged partners and members of the public to support the initiative and help expand its reach among young people across the region. He emphasised that the event is not just about attending but also about helping to multiply its reach.
The Eldoret City Innovation Week has been instrumental in providing a platform for young innovators to access support and opportunities to develop their ideas. Since its inception, the event has grown in popularity and has become a significant platform for enterprise, technology, and youth development in the region. The event's impact is expected to be felt beyond the conference, with many young people benefiting from the opportunities and connections made during the event.
The organisers of the Eldoret City Innovation Week are seeking to bring together young people, investors, government, and other partners to support the development of new businesses and jobs in the region. By providing a platform for young people to showcase their innovations and connect with potential partners and investors, the event aims to drive inclusive economic growth in the North Rift region.
Key points
- Over 2,500 young people from the North Rift region are set to participate in the fourth Eldoret City Innovation Week.
- The event's theme is "Innovating the North Rift: Driving Inclusive Growth Through Technology, Enterprise & Sustainability."
- The fourth edition of the Eldoret City Innovation Week will take place from September 30 to October 9, 2026.
