Driving Local Enterprise: Nine Maasai Mara Entrepreneurs Awarded KES 1.9 million at Predators’ Den Pitching Competition

Innovation and ambition took centre stage as nine entrepreneurs from the Maasai Mara secured a combined KES 1.9 million in seed capital at the Predators’ Den pitching competition, marking a major milestone in their journey toward building sustainable businesses.

Held on April 24, 2026, at Ng’ila ECDE in Talek, the competition brought together emerging business owners to present innovative, eco-friendly and impact-driven ventures, demonstrating practical solutions that contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods, following months of intensive training, mentorship, and business development support.

Winners of the Predators' Den pitching competition pose for a photo

A total of 21 finalists, drawn from seven regions across the Maasai Mara, were selected from an initial pool of 115 applicants and represented key sectors including environmental conservation, economic empowerment, agriculture, and skills development.

Speaking at the event, Simon Kipila, COO of The Maa Trust, highlighted the rigorous preparation process behind the competition:

“From an initial pool of business plans, we worked closely with the I&M MSME team to identify and train entrepreneurs who have undergone extensive preparation. These participants represent different groups across the Maasai Mara, seven groups in total, who have gone through Street Business School (SBS) training for the last year.  So they are coming from different groups, it is just a representation, not all members were in the business training but the ones who are here have gone through the Predators Den training. So, we are happy to the see the ideas and business opportunities for the business that have been existing and they are going to pitch and we are happy to celebrate with them.”

Award Winners

The competition recognized outstanding businesses across multiple categories, with a total of KES 1,920,000 awarded in seed capital and one scholarship opportunity. The awards were supported by partners including I&M Foundation, Uhama Foundation, Asilia, Aqua Nirvana Foundation, and Saruni Basecamp Foundation.

Winners were evaluated based on business viability, scalability, innovation, differentiation, social and environmental impact, as well as presentation and communication skills.

Carl Naoruri of Enkishon Bakery who emerged the overall winner, secured Sh250,000 to boost his bakery venture and said the funding will help him expand his product line.

“I plan to introduce biscuits and cookies and invest in equipment like a bread slicer. This opportunity will take my business to the next level.”

Naomi Cheres, Programmes Officer at I&M Bank congratulates Carl Naurori, overall winner,

Other winners:

• Second Best Overall Business (KES 150,000 – I&M Foundation): Ann Kamakia – Naserian Olchani Ogol Livestock Enterprise

• Third Best Overall Business (KES 120,000 – funded by Selma & Sjoerd): David Kesierr – Water Vending

• Best Adult Business (KES 150,000 – I&M Foundation): Noormeshuki Kamakia – Ewanga Meshuki Textile and Cultural Wear Business

• Best Female Business (KES 150,000 – I&M Foundation): Sylvia Sanaipei – Savannah Poultry

• Best Youth Business (KES 150,000 – Uhama Foundation): Anthony Lenkume – Classic Barbershop

• Best Eco-Business (KES 150,000 – Asilia): Valentine Muteyian – Lemek Honey

• Best Water-Related Business (KES 150,000 – Aqua Nirvana Foundation): Joseph Maguta – Spacling Clean Detergents Solutions

• Scholarship Opportunity (KES 650,000 – Saruni Basecamp Foundation Kenya): Martin Kiok

Driving Entrepreneurship and Community Resilience

Terry Davidson, Board Chairman of The Maa Trust and one of the judges, emphasized the critical role of small businesses in economic growth:

“We encourage entrepreneurs, local business leaders, local Maasais to take on and build businesses. In America, Canada, Australia, and many countries in Europe, it is the small businesses that really make a successful country. The idea is, The Maa Trust is trying to link in donors, partners to their helpers, to the prices with funding to encourage what we have been doing today. So I am very happy to be part of this process.”

Naomi Cheres, Programmes Officer at I&M Bank acknowledged the collective effort behind the initiative, noting the importance of partnership and shared commitment:

“I want to thank all other partners. They have contributed so much to ensure that every winner got something. It us good to see people having that heart to give. Thank you for that.”

Kevina Wangai from GIZ underscored the long-term impact of the initiative:

“Today is an event or us to see how we can make business work for conservation. For me I see the whole of this process as a way of teaching the community to fish instead of giving them the fish itself.”

Participants were encouraged to carry forward the knowledge gained throughout the process, recognizing that skills and experience remain among the most valuable and lasting outcomes of the program. The Maa Trust CEO Dr. Crystal Mogensen promised to continue supporting the entrepreneurs.

“We are going to continue holding your hands. Some of you went through business training with us three years ago, five years ago, seven years ago and we are still here with you, Weare continuing to hold your hand and walk through this journey together.”

A Platform for Sustainable Impact

Predators’ Den is Predators’ Den is a flagship initiative implemented under the develoPPP project, funded by GIZ and I&M Foundation through I&M Bank Ltd. The initiative is designed to strengthen business readiness among youth and adult entrepreneurs, while providing access to mentorship, exposure, and seed capital to help transform early-stage ideas into sustainable enterprises.

The process combines structured training, mentorship, and live pitching before a panel of business experts and development partners. Seed capital and performance-based awards provide catalytic support for high-potential enterprises, enabling participants to transition from early-stage ideas to sustainable growth with greater confidence and clarity.

To date, 168 entrepreneurs have been trained through The Maa Trust’s Street Business School (SBS), supported by the I&M MSME team, with a focus on business planning, financial literacy, and pitching skills.