At the Nairobi Startup Summit held on April 29, 2025, at the Sarit Expo Centre, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, investors, and tech enthusiasts converged to explore the power of innovation and collaboration in shaping Kenya’s entrepreneurial future. Among the distinguished voices was Dr. Koimbori, Head of KEPSA Consult | Senior Circular Economy and Climate Change Coordinator, who participated as a panelist in a discussion that highlighted the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks in accelerating startup growth.

As part of KEPSA ongoing efforts to empower small and medium-sized enterprises, KEPSA supported the participation of one exhibitor and facilitated the attendance of 22 SMEs at the summit, giving them the opportunity to learn, network, and engage with Kenya’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. This support underscored KEPSA commitment to nurturing SMEs both through knowledge exchange and market exposure.

Dr. Koimbori began by outlining KEPSA mandate in supporting startups through various channels including policy advocacy, capacity building, and access to funding. He emphasized that while many startups are quick to adopt technology, few are aware of the vital role ESG plays in building resilient, investment-ready businesses. "Most startups," he noted, "are unaware of the components of ESG, yet embracing it could dramatically improve their sales and attract impact-driven investors."

Connecting his remarks to practical experience, Dr. Koimbori shared insights from a recent forum in Vietnam where e-commerce businesses were innovatively buying near-expiry food products and reselling them at discounted prices. This, he explained, not only reduced food waste but also met consumer needs affordably — a clear demonstration of environmental and social impact intertwined with business success.

He stressed that KEPSA is actively supporting SMEs in this transformation journey by helping them make sense of their numbers — because, as he aptly put it, “books and numbers cannot lie.” Through KEPSA's training programs, startups gain clarity on their business models and become better positioned to access funding opportunities. ESG, he said, is no longer a 'nice-to-have' but a critical pathway to building sustainable businesses that investors trust.

In reinforcing KEPSA’s commitment, Dr. Koimbori encouraged startups to register as KEPSA members, as the first step toward unlocking a world of resources, training, and exposure. “We are working to move businesses away from traditional models by training our members to integrate sustainability at the core of their operations,” he noted.

He also urged people to register for and attend the ESG Leadership Training Program, scheduled for May 29, 2025, by visiting the KEPSA social media pages for more information. He noted that the upcoming session will play a pivotal role in helping SMEs understand ESG, access funding, and become investor-ready.

Dr. Koimbori reiterated KEPSA’s unwavering support for startups and SMEs, reminding participants that aligning with ESG principles is not only ethically right but also economically smart.