Oil marketer to award best startups

Oil marketer, Total Kenya has unveiled an innovation challenge that will see winners take home close to Sh2.5 million. Dubbed ‘Startupper of the Year’, the contest aims to identify and reward the best startups that are less than two years old in Kenya. The contest will be held simultaneously in 34 African countries.

Outgoing Total Kenya Managing Director Ms Ada Eze said the contest will go a long way in helping deal with the problem of youth unemployment in the continent. “We want to be part of the solution for youth unemployment and this is why we came up with this idea to promote growth and development while looking at long-term sustainable solution for joblessness,” added Ada.

The first runners up will pocket Sh1.5 million while the third winner will receive Sh1 million. “Beyond monetary awards, the winners will also receive mentorship and exposure from Total staff, the jury and partnering organisations,” said Ms Ada.

The call for applications is open to any Kenyan citizen, below 35 years. Candidates have until January 31, 2016 to apply. Some of the things that the judges will be looking for include originality of the project, potential and capacity of the project to improve the living conditions of the masses by creating job opportunities.