Kabarak University has taken another significant step in advancing student-led innovation after selecting 30 outstanding innovations to participate in the AfyaVentures Cohort 2026 Programme, a flagship health innovation accelerator under the Africa Health Collaborative (AHC). The programme is implemented by Amref Health Africa with support from the Mastercard Foundation to nurture the next generation of health entrepreneurs and innovators across Africa.
The University is among the Kenyan institutions participating in the pilot cohort of the programme alongside Amref International University (AMIU), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and the University of Nairobi. Through this collaborative initiative, participating institutions are working together to build a cross-university innovation ecosystem that equips students with the knowledge, mentorship, and entrepreneurial skills required to develop solutions addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH).
The selection followed a competitive call for applications coordinated by the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Outreach, which invited undergraduate students to submit innovative ideas with the potential to improve health outcomes and strengthen communities. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 30 innovations were selected to advance to the next stage of the programme.
The AfyaVentures programme is implemented in two key phases: the Problem Definition Phase (PDP), where participants conduct user research and validate real-world health challenges, and the Incubation Phase, during which promising ideas receive structured mentorship, entrepreneurship training, and technical support to develop into viable ventures.
To mark the beginning of the journey, the selected students participated in an orientation session designed to introduce them to the programme structure, expectations, and opportunities available throughout the competition. The session prepared participants for the intensive innovation process ahead while highlighting the importance of human-centred design, collaboration, and evidence-based problem-solving.
The orientation hosted by Dr. Phillip Nyawere, Director, Research, Innovation and Outreach, was facilitated by Ms. Winnie Mandela, Product Associate at Amref Health Africa, who provided valuable insights into the AfyaVentures programme and encouraged students to embrace innovation as a tool for addressing pressing health challenges within their communities. Her engagement underscored the value of strategic partnerships in strengthening innovation ecosystems and empowering young innovators to translate ideas into sustainable solutions.
AfyaVentures is part of the broader Africa Health Collaborative (AHC), a multi-year partnership that seeks to strengthen primary healthcare systems across Africa through health workforce development, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. By connecting universities, innovators, mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners, the initiative creates pathways for young people to transform innovative ideas into impactful health enterprises while contributing to job creation and improved health outcomes.
For the selected Kabarak University students, participation in the programme presents a unique opportunity to sharpen their entrepreneurial and innovation skills, work alongside experienced mentors, build cross-institutional networks, and develop solutions capable of addressing real societal and healthcare challenges.
