Creative DNA -SANARA

Job Description

Sanara is inspired by the Swahili words sanaa (arts) and biashara (business). This inclusive and forward-thinking programme is designed for young women and men across Kenya, enabling access to dignified and fulfilling work in the creative and cultural industries.

Funded by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented through a consortium of partners — HEVA, SNDBX, Baraza Media Lab, and GoDown Arts Center — the three-year initiative will focus on financing, skilling, infrastructure development, and the adoption of sustainable practices to create safer, more equitable working environments.

The British Council, Kenya implementing this programme through Mairgat Gold Enterprises Group (MGE Group), are responsible for managing the Fashion Business Incubator “Creative DNA–Sanara”, which focuses on equipping Kenya’s fashion entrepreneurs with the business and creative skills needed to thrive in local and international markets.

Creative DNA is a fashion and creative enterprise incubation programme designed to strengthen Kenya’s creative economy by supporting emerging designers and creative entrepreneurs to build sustainable, innovative, and globally competitive brands.

Since 2020, Creative DNA has successfully incubated over 71 creative businesses across Kenya, offering practical support in:

• Business and brand development
• Access to local and global markets
• Mentorship and peer learning
• Access to grants and funding opportunities

Now entering its fifth edition, Creative DNA Sanara will support early-stage fashion and accessory brands from six counties — Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kakamega, Turkana, and Nakuru — through a 6-month incubation and mentorship journey. We kick off the third & fourth cohorts in KISUMU & KAKAMEGA counties.

The programme is delivered by the British Council Kenya Arts Programme in collaboration with partners in Kenya and the UK, and is committed to diversity, creativity, inclusion, and sustainability in the creative industries.

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